Vinyl Manufacturing Expands in Tennessee Amid Growing Demand for Records

Vinyl Resurgence Fuels Expansion of Tennessee Manufacturing Facility
The growing popularity of vinyl records is leading to significant industrial expansion in Tennessee, strengthening the state’s role in the resurgent music industry. Wedlake Industries, a key supplier of vinyl record compounds, has announced a $10 million investment to expand its manufacturing facility in Lewis County. The move will create 46 new jobs and further bolster Tennessee’s status as a major hub for vinyl record production.
Wedlake Industries, which operates a facility in Hohenwald, produces specialized vinyl compounds essential for record pressing. The company was recently acquired by GZ North America, a prominent player in the vinyl industry that owns both Nashville Record Pressing and Memphis Record Pressing. With this acquisition and expansion, the Lewis County facility will now supply materials directly to these pressing plants, streamlining the record manufacturing process.
Upon completion, the expansion will establish Wedlake Industries as the largest producer of vinyl record compounds in North America, further reinforcing Tennessee’s position in the industry.
State Support and Economic Growth
The expansion is being supported by economic development incentives from the Tennessee Department of Community Development. Governor Bill Lee emphasized the significance of this growth, stating that Tennessee’s skilled workforce and favorable business environment make it an ideal location for such investments. The creation of 46 new jobs in Lewis County will provide economic benefits for local families and contribute to the state’s growing manufacturing sector.
“Tennessee’s skilled workforce and strong business climate make it the ideal place for businesses to grow,” said Governor Lee in a news release. “These 46 new jobs will greatly benefit the families across Lewis County, and I thank Wedlake Industries for recognizing Tennessee as the best state for this expansion.”
Strengthening the Vinyl Supply Chain
Memphis Record Pressing and Nashville Record Pressing have both undergone substantial growth in recent years to meet the increasing demand for vinyl records. The Memphis facility completed a $21 million expansion in 2023, boosting its production capacity to 120,000 records per day. Meanwhile, Nashville Record Pressing has invested $13.3 million in facility enhancements and job creation, with plans to add 255 new positions between 2022 and 2026.
With the expansion of Wedlake Industries, Tennessee is solidifying its role in the global vinyl supply chain. The investment not only supports the growing music industry but also enhances the state’s overall manufacturing infrastructure. The Lewis County facility produces materials for various industries, including vinyl flooring, roofing, and pipe making, making it a versatile contributor to industrial growth.
Shawn Johnson, president of GZ North America, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion and the impact it will have on the music industry.
“The company’s great people, facilities, and strategic location will allow us to support the music industry in Tennessee and beyond with the industry’s most advanced and customer-focused vinyl pressing operation,” said Johnson.
With strong support from both the private and public sectors, Tennessee continues to establish itself as a key player in the resurgence of vinyl records, fueling job creation and industrial innovation across the state.
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