Third Man Records Launches State-of-the-Art Vinyl Pressing Plant in Detroit
Jack White's Third Man Records has announced the opening of a state-of-the-art vinyl pressing plant, Third Man Pressing, in Detroit's historic Cass Corridor neighborhood. This innovative facility represents a significant advancement in vinyl record manufacturing technology.
Empty factory with manufacturing equipment
The facility features several groundbreaking technological innovations:
- Eight newly constructed presses (first built in 35 years)
- Four extruders and hydraulic generators
- Production capacity of 5,000 records per 8-hour shift
- 45-second cycle time per record
- Environmentally efficient water recycling system
- Full climate control (first of its kind globally)
- Advanced sound containment technology
The plant's opening day celebration is scheduled for February 25, featuring live music and exclusive merchandise. Initial pressing releases include:
- The White Stripes — The White Stripes
- The White Stripes — De Stijl
- The Black Hole LP
- Detroit Gospel Reissue Project
This expansion aligns with current market trends, as vinyl record sales continue to surge. Industry projections estimate the vinyl market will reach $800-900 million in 2017, with recent data showing a 53% sales increase in the UK and a 25.9% increase in the US (7.2 million units sold). This growth demonstrates vinyl's sustained revival and commercial viability in the modern music industry.