Key Production, a UK-based bespoke packaging agency for vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and DVDs, has announced its expansion into Europe with the opening of a new division in Germany, led by Andreas Kohl.
The company — known for providing vinyl design and manufacturing services for artists like Radiohead, Nick Cave, Alt-J, Idles, Little Simz, Ezra Collective, and more — aims to offer its services to European labels and artists.
This expansion follows Key Production’s establishment of an Employee Ownership Trust.
The company’s new European division, initially focusing on the German market, will provide access to Key Production’s entire supply chain, including manufacturing, packaging, and project management. Additionally, it will offer expertise in navigating exports and VAT regulations.
Kohl, who will be heading the new EU division as European Operations Manager, said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing the services of Key Production to the German market.”
“Key Production’s globally connected supply chain will be able to help artists, labels and other operations seeking outstanding quality in sound and packaging reflecting the passion that went into making the content.”
Andreas Kohl, Key Production
“In a setup that is lacking in comparison pretty much in all aspects in Europe and the EU in particular, Key Production offers expertise and power in all fields of manufacturing vinyl, digital data carriers such as CDs, DVDs and Blu Rays, and first and foremost outstanding packaging.”
“Key Production’s globally connected supply chain will be able to help artists, labels and other operations seeking outstanding quality in sound and packaging reflecting the passion that went into making the content.”
Karen Emanuel, CEO of Key Production, added: “The expansion marks a brand new chapter for Key Production and we’re so proud to bring our industry leading services from the UK music market, the largest in Europe, to new clients on the continent.”
“With Andreas at the helm of a dedicated team, with his experience and passion for the German music scene, we can add a new level of quality control, expertise and knowledge that’s made us the no.1 bespoke packaging agency in Europe.”
Karen Emanuel, KEy Production
“With Andreas at the helm of a dedicated team, with his experience and passion for the German music scene, we can add a new level of quality control, expertise and knowledge that’s made us the no.1 bespoke packaging agency in Europe”.
Key Production Group, established in 1990, said that as a ‘B-Corp company’, it prioritizes sustainable practices throughout its supply chain. This dedication extends to the new German division, ensuring the use of eco-friendly materials for pressing and packaging, the company added.
The latest move marks Key Production’s latest venture after acquiring London-based vinyl pressing company Disc Solutions in 2019 and Brighton-based rival Modo in 2016.
Key Production’s European expansion coincides with reports from the British Phonographic Industry highlighting continued growth in physical music sales in the UK. Vinyl sales have seen a 16-year upward trend, with CD sales also experiencing an increase for the first time in 20 years.
Independent music retailer Rough Trade recently expanded in the UK, announcing last month its plans for the company’s biggest store in the country to date, to be located in Liverpool.
Rough Trade has also built a presence in Germany, launching a new warehouse and store in Berlin in September. The company said at the time it had tripled its share of the UK vinyl market over the past five years.
The recent vinyl revival also prompted Metallica to buy its own pressing plant in March 2023 and Timbaland to acquire a strategic stake in UK-born lifestyle and vinyl brand 12on12 in August 2023.
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