Makbas Records plans to open a vinyl pressing plant in Amman, Jordan, in early 2027. This facility will serve as the first location for manufacturing vinyl records within the country. The project marks a new development for the regional music industry, which currently relies on international production facilities to press records for artists across Jordan and neighboring markets. Following the establishment of the plant, Makbas Records aims to provide a local alternative for regional labels and musicians seeking to distribute their work on physical media. Preparation for the site is currently underway as the company coordinates the logistics required to begin operations by the scheduled date.
Operational Strategy and Technology
Makbas Records intends to house the facility within a bonded warehouse in Amman. By utilizing this customs-designated zone, the company avoids import duties on raw materials and manufacturing inputs required for vinyl production.
Production will rely on a fully automated WarmTone press manufactured by Viryl Technologies. This machinery replaces manual pressing methods to streamline the manufacturing process for local and regional artists.
Operation of the WarmTone press allows for a capacity of up to 1,000 records per day on a single shift. Makbas Records expects this output to meet the initial demand for physical media distribution across Jordan and neighboring markets. The integration of this automated technology enables the plant to maintain consistent manufacturing standards while managing logistics for regional labels.
Market Reach and Vision
Aseel Barghuthi and Saeed Abu-Jaber co-founded Makbas Records to address current logistical gaps in the regional music industry. Aseel Barghuthi stated, "The reality is that it's not easy. The right type of minds and resources need to be in the same place at the same time for this sort of thing to come together."
Initial target markets for the company’s distribution efforts include Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, the UAE, Morocco, and Tunisia. According to Aseel Barghuthi, "Younger generations are increasingly turning to physical format music as part of their musical and listening experiences. Today, music from the region gets pressed on vinyl continents away and seldom makes its way back to regional fanbases. Makbas is here to help change that."
Prohibitive expenses currently hinder local access to vinyl records. Aseel Barghuthi explained, "By the time the records arrive to the artist or label, they arrive at a steep premium. Most of the time that cost gets reflected in the price of the record, and that can be a deterrent to someone who would otherwise want to buy this format."
Beyond manufacturing, the company intends to function as a broader support system for the regional creative economy. "Our number one priority is to press the highest quality records for our client base, but Makbas at its essence aspires to be an industry partner," Aseel Barghuthi said. "A platform to empower and discover artists and labels, to help them make the most of their creations, their IP, and share it with their audiences wherever they may be."
The founders view the project as a response to evolving consumer habits among music listeners. Aseel Barghuthi added, "Makbas also wants to serve generations of fans who want to see and touch their music, or even just collect and preserve it as art."