Southern Plastics

Pressing plant, established in Nashville, Tennessee in 1949. One of Southern Plastics top clients was Vee Jay Records out of Chicago. It was Vee Jay that pressed the first Beatles 7"s in America, prior to Capitol signing them. Southern Plastics had 27 presses and also pressed many 7" singles and LPs for MGM Records, Chess, Liberty and Motown. In 1962, the company and plant relocated from Franklin Street to Chestnut Street. Southern Plastics changed its name to United Record Pressing in 1971. Vinyl pressings can usually be identified by "SO", used since the mid 1950's. It's sometimes noted on the label, but always in the run-outs, followed by a 3 or 4 digit number (not used on contract pressings for other labels like MGM though).