Sony to start producing vinyl records again 30 years after ditching the retro format

The audio giant dropped the technology almost three decades ago, but it is looking to revive the format as demand surges.

Last April the Japanese firm released high tech vinyl player the PS-HX500, a turntable that also enables users to record vinyl into high-definition audio files.

At a press conference last year, Sony’s chief executive Kazuo Hirai said: “From the choices we’re making to be differentiated and unique, to the curiosity that drives our passion to face challenges, to our commitment as enablers of creativity, it is clear that the philosophical and strategic pillars are in place to continue to build a stronger, better, more profitable Sony.”

And now Sony Music Entertainment revealed plans to meet vinyl demands with new presses from its factory south-west of Tokyo.

The Japanese company stopped making vinyl records in 1989 when CDs took over as the preferred format, before the invention of mp3 and streaming services.

But audiophiles from all ages have now gone back to vinyl, with the format making a prominent comeback around the world.

Japanese record maker Toyokasei, was reportedly struggling to keep up with demand for the nostalgic format, while Sony had trouble finding older engineers who could press vinyls.

Sony is expected to produce records for Japanese classics as well as contemporary hits.

Deloitte consulting firm estimates global vinyl revenue will top $1bn this year while sales of CDs and digital downloads continue to fall.

Last year the UK, vinyl records generated more revenue than advertising-backed tiers of streaming platforms.