Delays are expected to the production of vinyl and some labels’ release schedules in the future as a result of a fire at the Apollo/Transco lacquer production facility in Banning, California.
The facility, which was housed in a warehouse, was badly damaged in the fire. It produced lacquer discs which are integral to the mastering process, and was one of only two companies in the world supplying the global vinyl industry. The other, MDC, is based in Japan.
Apollo Masters shared a statement on its website following the fire, writing: "To all of our wonderful customers. It is with great sadness we report the Apollo Masters manufacturing and storage facility had a devastating fire and suffered catastrophic damage. The best news is all of our employees are safe. We are uncertain of our future at this point and are evaluating options as we try to work through this difficult time. Thank you for all of the support over the years and the notes of encouragement and support we have received from you all."
Lacquer discs are a vital part of the vinyl production process, with mastering engineers cutting them to create master discs which are then sent on to pressing plants to produce the stampers from which records are pressed. It’s not yet known exactly what effect the fire will have on the vinyl industry, but disruption is widely expected.
