GZ Media Significantly Invests in Innovation and International Expansion

3 min
Press release
gz | 05/2025
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Loděnice, May 13, 2025 – The group of companies under the umbrella of Czech-based GZ Media, the world’s largest manufacturer of vinyl records, is making significant investments in automation, innovation, and international expansion. This includes both its music production segment and its packaging and printing divisions as well. Last year, the GZ Group reached nearly CZK 7.3 billion in revenue, with investments amounting to almost CZK 400 million. At the same time, the company produced nearly 70 million vinyl records worldwide.

From Loděnice to the World

It continues to be strong global demand for vinyl records made in Loděnice, near Beroun in the Czech Republic. “The last year was a good one for us. We met our business targets and adapted effectively to a challenging and uncertain business environment that followed the energy crisis and volatile economic conditions. Our results in recent years have mirrored broader market trends. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw an extraordinary surge in demand for vinyl records, which led to revenue growth in the tens of percent. The situation and our financial results have normalized to pre-pandemic levels now. For the coming year, we plan a growth in single digits,” said Michal Štěrba, CEO of GZ Media.

The traditional Czech manufacturer continues to expand beyond its home country. “Last year, we strengthened our presence in North America. We launched a subsidiary for producing vinyl compound, Wedlake, in Hohenwald, USA, and established GZ PrintPak, a company for manufacturing premium paper bags, in Wisconsin. We have further growth plans for the North American market,” added Štěrba. He also noted:“In 2024, production of vinyl records was evenly split between the Czech Republic and our international subsidiaries, with each contributing about 50%.”

Innovation Takes the Lead

Currently, GZ Media is heavily focused on automation investments.“We’re increasing our investment budget this year to nearly CZK 500 million. We’re implementing a wide range of innovation projects – from acquiring state-of-the-art technology and warehouse robotics to developing our own production machinery, thanks to our skilled and experienced experts,” revealed Štěrba. He continued:“All our innovations are aimed at a single goal: ensuring the highest possible product quality and advancing sustainable solutions. We want to continue improving customer satisfaction and exceeding expectations – especially at a time when the vinyl market is still growing and vinyl records represent a key segment of the global music industry.”

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