Vinyl Record Manufacturing Association Releases Roadmap Initiative

Nashville, TN, December 9, 2022 - On Tuesday, the Vinyl Record Manufacturing Association (VRMA) announced its roadmap initiative to the craft of vinyl record manufacturing through collaboration, standardization, and education at its inaugural members’ meeting in Dallas, Tx. Hand Drawn Pressing was the host of the meeting, which included 27 companies from across the globe and the vinyl record supply chain.

"When we founded the VRMA it was to have frank and direct conversations throughout the supply chain to enable us as independent business owners to succeed in this ever-changing industry. Our first meeting was extremely productive and the enthusiasm and camaraderie amongst plants and suppliers was invigorating, and I can't wait to keep putting actions behind the words!" - Dustin Blocker, VRMA President

The VRMA roadmap initiative includes its first QC Training Manual, which is planned to be released within the first quarter of 2023, followed by a Press Operator Manual that members can use to train new employees and help standardize the industry. This is particularly useful for the number of new pressing plants that will soon be coming online and will help decrease the learning curve.

A member-helping member program was also launched, where members of the organization can support each other with materials, spare parts, and immediate production assistance.

"I could not be more thrilled with how things went at the inaugural VRMA membership meeting!  The level of engagement from all companies present was truly awe inspiring.  It feels like the right first step to move toward our goals of collaboration amongst members at all steps in the vinyl manufacturing process and I look forward to moving forward and continuing to work toward our organization's goals together!" - Yoli Mara, VRMA Vice President

The VRMA comprises more than 30 companies from every level of vinyl production: record labels, lacquer cutting, electroplating, the steps before pressing and mastering the records, printmakers, equipment manufacturers, brokers, raw material suppliers, and even logistic service providers.

The next in-person meeting will be held at the Making Vinyl Conference (www.makingvinyl.com), which will be held in Minneapolis June 7-8, 2023.

New members are welcome, and membership is now available to all organizations, companies, and individuals interested in participating.

For further information about the VRMA, please visit www.vrmagroup.org or contact:

Vinyl Record Manufacturing Association:

Bryan Ekus

Phone: +1 407 733 1901

Email: info@vrmagroup.org