Metallica Impressively Takes Control In Pressing Furnace Records
1980s thrash metal masters Metallica have purchased the Furnace Record Pressing factory in Alexandria, Va., according to a statement from shop founder and CEO Eric Astor. This acquisition marks an important milestone for the band as it continues to grow its influence in the music industry.
Furnace Record Pressing is a vinyl record pressing plant that has been in operation since 1996 and is one of the few places where vinyl records can still be made. Metallica’s acquisition of the factory gives them the opportunity to control their own production and distribution of other music and their own, granting them more creative freedom. Since 2014, Furnace has produced over 5 million vinyl records for Grammy Award-winning Metallica.
Furnace founder Eric Astor said in his statement that Metallica “will continue to operate Furnace Records Pressing as it always has, but with the added benefit of being able to create unique experiences for fans around the world.”
Official press release from Steve Martin (Little Nasty Man PR):
METALLICA CEMENTS PARTNERSHIP WITH FURNACE RECORD PRESSING
Band Acquires Majority Stake in World-Class Vinyl Manufacturer
“Metallica and Furnace Record Pressing (“Furnace”) today announced that Metallica has acquired the majority stake in Furnace, a leading provider of high-quality vinyl records and related services. The acquisition formalizes a relationship of longtime relationship between the band and Furnace which has produced over five million Metallica vinyl tracks since 2014.
Having worked together on landmark projects such as the highly acclaimed definitive deluxe box set editions of Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All, Ride The Lightning, Master Of Puppets, …And Justice For All, Metallica (aka The Black Album) and S&M2, Metallica and Furnace have a long, prolific and productive relationship, rooted in a shared fiercely independent ethos and passionate dedication to quality. This partnership between Metallica and Furnace represents another example of the band’s unwavering commitment to artistic control over all aspects of their career, as well as their dedication to their fans: The ability to meet the massive demand for Metallica vinyl via a trusted partner and industry leader. Furnace will allow the band and its label Blackened Recordings to better serve the needs of all vinyl lovers in the Metallica family, as well as those of the various artists and record labels who will continue to use Furnace’s services.
Founded by Eric Astor in 1996, Furnace is known for producing the highest quality records in its state-of-the-art 70,000 square foot facility in Alexandria, Virginia. With its 12 Pheenix Alpha presses and two Finebilt presses, Furnace is one of the largest record pressing companies in the United States. Furnace offers standard and heavy pressings, color vinyl, special effect color vinyl, and custom vinyl burning to meet the creative needs of any music. artist. Furnace also oversees other services related to document creation and packaging. In addition to Metallica, Furnace’s customers include many major artists, global music companies, record labels, and indie/punk bands. Eric Astor (Founder and CEO), Ali Miller (COO) and Mark Reiter (VP – Operations) will continue in their respective roles leading Furnace. Each remains a shareholder of the company and each will be a member of the company’s board of directors.
“Making Furnace the family of dedicated and experienced experts that it is today has been an enormous effort, yet immensely rewarding,” said Eric Astor, Founder of Furnace. “Knowing that our long-term future is secure while being better able to take advantage of growth opportunities is truly exciting for every member of the Furnace staff.” Ali Miller, COO of Furnace, added, “We have found ideal partners in Metallica. They want us to continue to focus on our customers. To that end, we look forward to providing even greater capacity and service to each of our customers in the future. »
“We couldn’t be happier to take our partnership with Furnace – and Eric, Ali and Mark in particular – to the next level,” said Lars Ulrich, co-founder of Metallica. “Their independent spirit, the passion they have for their craft…culturally, we are kindred spirits.” James Hetfield, co-founder of Metallica, added: “Furnace has been great for Metallica and, more importantly, for our fans. This deep relationship between Metallica and Furnace ensures that vinyl fans around the world, especially our fifth members, will have continued access to high quality discs in the future.
Metallica was represented by its affiliate growth capital and content investment platform known as Black Squirrel Partners (“Black Squirrel”), with Kirkland & Ellis acting as counsel and Citrin Cooperman assisting in the financial due diligence and tax advice. Dunlap, Bennett & Ludwig acted as attorneys for Furnace.
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