Norway Vinyl Mission: Education and Groove with Matter of Fact

German-based Matter of Fact vinyl pressing plant travelled to Norway to assist a government-run production school in Bergen that is establishing a new vinyl pressing workshop aimed at helping students re-enter education or the workforce.

Vinylverkstedet (Vinyl Workshop)
The groundbreaking initiative is transforming the lives of school dropouts while pushing the boundaries of vinyl production. Vinylverkstedet, or The Vinyl Workshop, is a pioneering educational facility that boasts a state-of-the-art vinyl production plant, equipped with cutting-edge German-made Newbilt presses. This innovative setup is part of the Hyssingen Produksjonsskole (Production School), offering students a second chance by teaching them the intricate art of vinyl pressing.

In collaboration with Matter of Fact, Vinylverkstedet is developing a comprehensive curriculum designed to set international standards for aspiring machine operators in vinyl pressing plants.

The school is specifically designed for students aged 16 to 21 who are at risk of dropping out of mainstream education. The vinyl pressing course offers a practical and engaging learning environment. This hands-on approach aims to re-engage students by providing them with tangible skills and a sense of achievement through the production of a physical product – a vinyl record.

About Matter of Fact
Vinyl Matters is a YouTube podcast hosted by renowned German vinyl record manufacturer Matter Of Fact. The channel is all about records, hosting monthly vinyl DJ sets, interviews and deep insights into the world of records and their production. Matter of Fact was founded by electronic DJ Andre Kronert in 2022, running three Newbilt machines that can press up to 30,000 records a month in 12-inch format, in numerous vinyl colours, with a 100% bio-vinyl option. Minimum press run is 100 pieces.