New pressing plant "for independent labels" opens in Germany

In support of independent and grassroots labels a new pressing plant, Matter of Fact, has opened in northeast Germany.

After two years of development, the pressing plant is now officially running with three pressing machines that can press up to 30,000 records a month as well as carbon-neutral shipping and FSC-certified sleeves.

Set up by a group of "DJs, producers, collecters and nerds," Matter of Fact will not only be producing standard 12" records, but also two-colour vinyl, splatter vinyl and even handmade wooden boxes to ship.

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"If a small label has a banger or hit and wants to release it they have to schedule it in 8-12 months. This is an extreme situation. Only majors can plan years ahead", said co-founder of Matter of Fact, Andrew Kroenert to DJ Mag.

He added that the new pressing plant will not be working for major labels as they aim to help "the underground, the small and the indies who have held up the flag all these years".

On its website, Matter of Fact stated that its focus would be "quality, fast production and high customer satisfaction."

"We develop solutions for every wish - nothing is impossible. Because every detail is important to us, we keep our customers informed in every process of production."

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Matter of Fact claims that prices are "within a very normal range" when shipping from the UK and the rest of Europe.

In an investigation by Mixmag last year, many small label owners stressed the importance of vinyl plants that cater to "small runs." Currently the global vinyl production capacity is around 160 million per year, despite demand being around 300-400 million.

Check out the Matter of Facts website here.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter