We love this episode of The Downtime Podcast featuring Atlantic Packaging and Memphis Record Pressing by WTWH Media – and we think you will, too!

In this episode, Nick Ott from our Packaging Equipment Program joined forces with Brandon Severs, Co-Founder and CEO of Memphis Record Pressing, and Austin Burke, Operations Manager, to talk about how packaging automation is transforming the vinyl packaging process.

Listen Now:

• Packaging OEM
• Plant Engineering
• Control Engineering

From Punk Rock to Precision

Vinyl records are known for their analog charm and collectible appeal, but behind the scenes, packaging them efficiently and sustainably is no small feat. As Brandon puts it, Memphis Record Pressing went from a “punk rock band” to a “well-orchestrated symphony” thanks to automation support from Atlantic Packaging.

Nick and Austin dive into how our team at Atlantic helped modernize their packaging line with shrink wrap systems, case packers, pallet wrappers, and label applicators, all while preserving the artistry and integrity of each record.

Sustainability Meets Collectibility

The episode also highlights how Memphis Record Pressing uses low-energy, thin-gauge shrink wrap to protect vinyl records without compromising sustainability. As Nick explains, the materials are designed to be clear, durable, and gentle on the product, ensuring that collectors can proudly display their records without removing the protective wrap.

Real Results

Since implementing automation, Memphis Record Pressing has quadrupled its capacity while keeping headcount growth minimal. The result? Faster output, better quality control, and happier operators.

If the Packaging Line Were a Band…

In one of the episode’s most memorable moments, Austin compares their packaging line to an orchestra – precise, harmonious, and efficient. It’s a fitting metaphor for a partnership that blends engineering with artistry.

Final Thoughts

This episode is more than just a behind-the-scenes look at vinyl packaging – it’s a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and craftsmanship. The partnership between Atlantic Packaging and Memphis Record Pressing shows how automation can elevate even the most analog of industries, preserving the artistry of vinyl while meeting modern demands for efficiency and sustainability.

Whether you’re a collector, a packaging professional, or just a fan of great engineering stories, this conversation hits all the right notes. Be sure to give it a listen.

While you’re at it, here’s a look at a spotlight on our partnership with Memphis Record Pressing:

The Big Picture:

• Automation has revolutionized packaging vinyl at Memphis Record Pressing (MRP).
• What began as a small plant in 2014 is now an operation capable of processing more than 120,000 records daily, thanks to cutting-edge automated packaging equipment that ensures both efficiency and quality.
• This growth in capacity is directly tied to MRP’s partnership with Atlantic, which has brought fully integrated packaging lines to their facility.

“We were packaging around 36,000 records a day a little under two years ago, and we are able to process upwards of 120,000 records a day here,” says Austin Burk, Memphis Record Pressing packaging and logistics operations manager.

 Driving The News:

• Traditionally, packaging vinyl records was a labor-intensive, manual process, but automation has dramatically changed the game at MRP.
• Atlantic provided MRP with advanced packaging equipment that streamlined their end-of-line process — transforming a slow, hands-on system into a fully automated operation.
• This has allowed MRP to quadruple production within two years, meeting the growing demand for vinyl while maintaining pristine packaging standards.

“When we’re looking at a new automation opportunity, we’re certainly going to come here on-site, evaluate current-state production conditions, learn the nuances of those applications, and of course work really collaboratively with the team that’s on-site to understand the ins and outs of everything going on there,” says Nick Ott, Atlantic Packaging equipment specialist.

 Why It Matters:

• Vinyl records have transitioned from being just a music format to becoming prized collectors’ items, which means flawless packaging is essential.
• Automation ensures that every record is carefully handled with precision to minimize damage, like torn sleeves or bent corners.
• MRP’s automated lines now deliver packaging consistency — something that’s critical in an era when every detail of a record, and its packaging, matters to collectors.

 Behind The Scenes:

“You can buy equipment from anybody, but the service that is going to come along with the equipment, that’s more important than anything else I can think of,” says Mark Yoshida, Memphis Record Pressing chief operations officer. “That’s a relationship I’ve always looked for.”

• Atlantic’s team of technicians offer continued service and support for any ongoing preventative maintenance and repairs.
• Many packaging companies supply equipment and materials, but the continued technical service offered by Atlantic is truly a differentiator in the market.

What’s Next:

• As vinyl’s popularity continues to rise, MRP is well-positioned to scale even further with automation.
• Their partnership with Atlantic means they can keep pace with increasing demand without sacrificing quality.
• With less manual labor required, their team can focus on maintaining the consistency and reliability that customers have come to expect.

The Bottom Line:

• Automation has revolutionized MRP’s fulfillment operation, allowing them to meet the demands of vinyl enthusiasts worldwide.
• By partnering with Atlantic, MRP has transformed their packaging process into a seamless, efficient operation — one that delivers pristine records every time.

 

The Guardian Taping System automatically and optimally applies the perfect amount of high-quality tape to every package that comes down the production line.

The program saves you money through reduction of…
• Material Usage and Waste
• Downtime
• Damage
• Manual Rework
• Carbon Emissions

Reduce Material Usage & Waste
• Decrease tape usage by 10-20%.
• Use the entire roll of tape because it’s good to the core.
• See a 2-3% increase in overall equipment effectiveness when switching to Guardian.

Reduce Downtime
• Optimize your tape application to keep production moving.
• Minimize application defects, tape jams, and tape roll changeovers.

Reduce Damage
• Folded Edge® Technology strengthens the overall seal on the package and reduces the chance of tears along tape edges.
• Extreme wipe-down pressure ensures consistent and even sealing every time.
• Guardian tape provides content security with seals that withstand robotic palletizers and shipping.

Reduce Manual Rework
• You won’t have to waste time reworking improperly taped cases or clearing tape jams.

Reduce Carbon Emissions
• Preventing damage is crucial to sustainability. Broken products can’t sell and waste resources!
• Using high-quality tape means you use less tape overall.
• Expertly sealed packages decrease the need for return logistics.

How is the Guardian Taping System Able to Do All of This?

Folded Edge® Technology
Guardian’s patented Folded Edge® Technology optimally applies high-quality tape across the length of a package. The system ensures that tape folds perfectly over the edges of the box. This strengthens the overall seal of the parcel, reduces the chance of nicks and tears along the tape’s seal, and allows the carton to be opened without a knife or boxcutter.

Wipe-Down Pressure
The system’s multiple wipe-down applicators ensure a consistent and even seal that is over 75% stronger than our competitors. Extreme wipe-down force allows the tape’s adhesive to integrate deeply into corrugated boxes’ fibers to create tamper-evident seals on every carton.

Installation and Ongoing Service
The Guardian Taping System can be retrofitted to virtually any case sealer. Retrofitting is a quick, inexpensive way to update an older system. If you’re lacking a case sealing system all together, our technicians are always happy to install those too!

Our technicians enjoy building long-lasting relationships with our partners. We provide preventative maintenance on tape heads, wear parts on tape application devices as part of your contract, and ongoing service to ensure you’re up and running at optimal performance.

High-Performance Tapes
Guardian tape dispenses with hot-melt adhesive. This allows the tape to stick quickly for faster line speeds. As the tape unwinds from your system, its automatic tension control reduces breaks and provides ideal shear strength.

Show Your Commitment to Sustainability
Decreasing material usage and product damage means fewer carbon emissions!

The Guardian system uses the perfect amount of high-quality tape every seal. By applying better tape optimally, you use less tape overall.

Broken products can’t be sold and are a waste of resources. Protect your products and your brand’s image by minimizing product damage.

Guardian also eliminates manual taping rework and the need for return logistics with its automated precision and strength!

Atlantic has installed a LithoFlash Inline Scanner on its KBA 162 large format printing press. In the video above, Casey Ellison and Allison Scales give an inside look at Atlantic’s Printing & Graphics location in Tabor City, North Carolina, and discuss how the new scanner technology improves color consistency and reduces waste. The LithoFlash Inline Scanner allows for quicker baseline color and color leveling obtainment. It also enables clear analysis and reporting on every printing run. Much like how Atlantic’s MUST Monitoring System tracks stretch film usage to increase efficiency and reduce waste, this scanner optimizes our printing operation in the same way!

Atlantic Printing & Graphics is an industry leader in premium printed labels, cartons, shrink sleeves, and inserts. The business offers offset, flexo, and digital technology that allow the production of virtually any size run, from 200 to 200 million. These extended capabilities of printing on various substrates, from paper to board to film, offer color consistency throughout entire retail package lines.

Atlantic is constantly staying on top of the latest industry trends. The print industry is an exciting, fluid evolution of technology and resource. The business is continuously upgrading, updating, and researching the market. Atlantic was one of the first companies to integrate digital printing in 2002 and continues to lead in this area.

The high definition computer-to-plate system Atlantic utilizes allows for the highest quality printing plates for ultimate detail and highlights offering three-dimensional, 360-degree rotating shrink sleeve proofing that shows final graphics as they will appear after application. Atlantic routinely works with its vendors to test the latest releases of software, materials, and inks to stay ahead of the pack and offer its customers the best possible printed packages.

Atlantic’s in-house graphic artists and packaging specialists work with brands to expand their possibilities in retail packaging.

Atlantic’s Film Lab in Charlotte, North Carolina, provides customers with data-driven solutions that reduce product damage and save money. We provide our partners with thorough testing and hands-on training to ensure stretch films, trash bags, shrink films, and meat packaging films are all up to standard and consistent. Consistency of film is crucial in any business’ packaging process.

John Cook, Atlantic’s Stretch Film Technical Director, explains the importance of finding the right film and wrap pattern at the Film Lab in the video above. John Cook is a polymer chemist who has been innovating polyethylene resins and films since 1973. John’s work at Atlantic brings material knowledge and insight that benefits our customers.

In 2017, Atlantic founded its Film Lab to continue its pursuit of being the most innovative packaging company in the world. Investing in research & development is important because it allows Atlantic to provide its customers with the most innovative packaging solutions. Atlantic preforms a detailed investigation into its clients’ needs to select the best & most relevant films for their specific application to ensure optimal performance and cost savings.