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.

At Atlantic, we don’t just test packaging. We test, refine, and test again. Testing is a critical component of our packaging methodology and helps us maintain a standard of excellence that is unrivaled. Minimizing load failures and costs for our clients are our top priorities.

Altering packaging material use by as little as a gram can have a drastic impact on the supply chain at scale. Atlantic helps its clients save money and meet sustainability goals by finding the exact amount of material they need for their loads.

Atlantic’s phased approach of auditing, testing, optimizing, and monitoring is a winning strategy for any business’ packaging process.

Jake Wyns, Packaging Development Specialist, discusses Atlantic’s commitment to testing in the video above.

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