• The UK’s no.1 bespoke design and packaging agency for vinyl, CD, cassette and DVD now offering services for European labels 

• Expansion allows the award-winning company to explore new markets

• New division offers European labels access to Key Production’s whole supply chain of physical format pressing and packaging

Key Production, the UK’s leading bespoke packaging agency for vinyl, CD, cassette and DVD, is expanding its operations by opening a brand new division in the EU. 

The London-based company - best known for providing vinyl design and manufacturing for artists such as Radiohead, Nick Cave, Alt-J, Idles, Little Simz, Ezra Collective and many more - will operate its industry-renowned physical music services out of a new EU base in Germany.

Having led the UK’s physical music packaging industry since 1990, Key Production is the UK’s no.1 agency for bespoke design and packaging, and can now offer its award-winning, creative and bespoke services to European labels and artists. The company recently established an Employee Ownership Trust, as it continues to deliver its industry leading services in the UK and now in Europe. Founder Karen Emanuel remains as CEO, overseeing the European expansion.

With the new European division, which focuses on the German market for now, Key Production will offer new EU clients access to their whole supply chain - backed by its 33 â…“ years of experience. Alongside this, it will offer complex project management, unparalleled quality control of physical music releases and knowledge of exports and VAT requirements.

The new EU division will be headed up by Andreas Kohl, European Operations Manager at Key Production. Speaking on the expansion, Andreas said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing the services of Key Production to the German market. 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. Let’s make beautiful things together!”

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”.

As a certified B-Corp company, recognised for its sustainable practices within physical music production, the expansion will also allow Key Production to ensure sustainable practices are met throughout the design and supply chain in Germany, including the materials used for pressing vinyl and packaging. Key Production also sits across several international organisations ensuring sustainable practices in physical music, including the Vinyl Alliance Sustainability Working Group, the Vinyl Record Manufacturers Association  Sustainability Group and the IMPALA Sustainability Task Force as a supporter of the Music Climate Pact. 

The news of Key Production’s expansion comes as the latest figures from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and the Digital and Entertainment Retail Association (ERA) reveal that physical music sales have continued to grow in the UK. Vinyl sales have increased for a 16th consecutive year and CD recording sales have risen for the first time in 20 years.

For more information, visit keyproduction.co.uk.