With a production crunch the only thing slowing the resurgence of vinyl sales, how can an artist ensure that their preferred pressing plant can cope with demand? Buying a majority stake in it, that’s how.
Well, this is what Metallica has done, taking a majority interest in US firm Furnace Record Pressing. This is a deepening of an established relationship, with Variety noting that Furnace has produced more than 5m vinyl records for Metallica since 2014.
“Knowing our long-term future is secured while also being better able to take advantage of growth opportunities is really exciting for every member of the Furnace staff,” said Furnace CEO Eric Astor.
“This deepened relationship between Metallica and Furnace ensures that fans of vinyl everywhere, particularly our Fifth Members, will have continued access to high quality records in the future,” added Metallica’s James Hetfield.
That’s the key here: the investment secures Furnace’s future, but should also ensure the band don’t fall victim to any pressing-queue pile-ups at the 70,000-square-foot plant.
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