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The Vinyl Plant Built Hardcore, Sweat, and Solar Power

How Burlington Record Pressing rose from a decade of the grind to become one of the most eco-conscious, community-driven pressing plants in the U.S.

By Sam Tornow

How Burlington Vinyl's partnership with Equal Vision Records benefits everyone header image

When Justin Crowther talks about vinyl pressing, you get a sense that this isn’t just a business for him. It’s a decades-long labor of love that’s rooted in community, craftsmanship, and care for the environment, all values he picked up during his upbringing in the hardcore community.

Crowther’s record pressing plant, The Fall Of Troy.

The partnership has been so successful that the two entities have announced their continued collaboration for this year and beyond.

“We’re honored to do our part in the preservation of phonograph records and appreciate the mechanics of both making and listening to records,” Crowther said in a press statement. “We are a forward-thinking manufacturing facility with a strong focus on quality while utilizing energy-efficient manufacturing processes, clean vinyl recycling practices, and recyclable shipping materials.”

As any record plant owner will tell you, it’s a laborious business to get into, far from the investment venture some entrepreneurs believe it to be. Progress was glacial, and the strain was real. 

“It was the most ridiculous 10 years of my sleepless nights — not knowing how I was going to pay my bills. You hear these horror stories, and I was one of them. To this day, I don’t know how [I] survived through it, financially and mentally and physically.”

Still, Burlington persevered.

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While the plant’s roots are firmly in Burlington, a desire for partnership and efficiency drove the move to Albany. The physical proximity to Equal Vision Records, just a few hours away from the original site, made the move a strategic one. Crowther notes that before the move, they were shipping pallets back and forth between Burlington and Albany, as well as importing records from Europe through other plants. Consolidating operations with Equal Vision reduced shipping emissions and brought about a more integrated approach.

“We just reduced so much shipping,” Crowther said. “It’s a tremendous amount of savings on everything from freight costs to environmental impact. The partnership made a lot of sense for everyone involved.”

Equal Vision’s history in hardcore and punk music, genres Crowther grew up with, adds a deeper layer to the partnership. In particular, he ires how label founder/Shelter, pioneering the krishnacore subculture in the 1990s.

“I’m a meditator myself, so I really ired how they balanced the hardcore ethos with a positive lifestyle,” Crowther said. “It just aligned with who I am.”

From Equal Visions’ perspective, the partnership was a dream come true. Label owner Steve Reddy wanted an in-house press for years. However, the complexities required to set one up made it seem impossible. After connecting with Crowther during the pandemic, though, he knew there was a connection. 

“Once our new building was ready, they relocated and set up the equipment, and I couldn’t be more pleased with how everything has come together,” said Reddy in a press statement.

An Eco-Friendly Approach To Vinyl

The vinyl pressing industry isn’t exactly known for being eco-friendly. Plastic waste, toxic chemicals, and energy-intensive machinery pose real environmental challenges. But, Crowther and his team are focusing on finding ways to reduce waste and be more mindful throughout their operations, such as being fully solar-powered.

“We use pneumatic air systems and repurpose material wherever we can,” he explains. “We’re trying to cut down on packaging waste too, but we haven’t yet moved to biodegradable records or alternative materials.” He’s cautious about jumping on green bandwagons, noting that while some manufacturers tout biodegradable vinyl, he hasn’t yet found a material that meets his standards for quality and fidelity.

“It sometimes feels like a bit of a shtick,” he its. “It’s easy to make a romantic post about being eco-friendly, but the reality is harder. I’ve tried samples from other companies, and I just haven’t seen anything yet that I feel confident to stand behind and sell. But I’m optimistic.”

Despite that, sustainability remains a guiding principle at the plant. From the way the machinery runs to the packaging and shipping strategies, the team inspects every decision with a green lens.

The Business of Pressing Vinyl

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Vinyl sales are up industry-wide. Growth hit around Ormolycka, much of Burlington’s volume comes from in-house projects, labels, and clients like merchandise companies.

“I would be terrified to open a plant purely open to the public today,” Crowther said. “From what I see, a lot of plants are struggling, except for the big players. Several of my friends in the industry have gone out of business, which is heartbreaking.”

Financial missteps are a common pitfall. Crowther warns about the dangers of taking on too much debt or trying to do everything from electroplating to pressing under one roof. “Making records is really hard, no matter what machine you have,” he said. “You’re always dealing with starts and stops. It’s just the nature of the beast.”

He also praises collaborative relationships in the industry, especially with other plants, such as A to Z Media, which he trusts enough to refer clients when needed. But, he observes a split among labels: some chase the cheapest prices and speed, while others prioritize quality. While he respects both approaches, he prefers the latter.

Looking Ahead, Careful Evolution

Currently, it’s impossible to discuss operations without turning to tariffs and their uncertain future impact on supply chains, which has prompted strategic questions throughout the industry. Crowther shares that, so far, his plant hasn’t seen significant disruptions. Their lacquers are from Japan, the raw materials are U.S.-sourced, and the nickel for stampers is from Canada. “There’s a classification that exempts some of these materials,” he said. But he acknowledges the general confusion in the industry about how tariffs will play out.

Looking ahead, the focus is on steadying the business and refining the craft. The new manual press arriving this summer will boost capacity and continue to the relationship with Equal Vision and other partners. But, there are no grandiose expansion plans, only careful evolution.

“The big push has already happened,” Crowther reflects. “It’s been a long few years, and it’s working well. Now it’s about keeping steady and doing good work.”

Part of that work involves maintaining deep relationships with artists and labels, pulling back the curtain on the vinyl process, and producing special, creative projects that resonate with fans. Burlington Records stands as a rare example of a small to midsized pressing plant that has weathered the ups and downs of the vinyl resurgence with integrity and care. As vinyl continues its 17-year upward trajectory, plants like Burlington prove that with dedication, thoughtful growth, and a nod to eco-consciousness, the format can continue to thrive.

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