Optimal Factory Finds Vinyl Records Niche

ROEBEL , GERMANY - FEBRUARY 11: An employee applies a protective layer of transparent PVC (polyvinyl chloride) to protect a freshly-made copy of a 7" picture disc of David Bowie's 'Changes' at the Optimal record plant on February 11, 2015 in Roebel, Germany. According to industry data, over 9 million vinyl records, 19th century analog technology appreciated for its audio quality and durability, were sold in the U.S. in 2014, up 52% from the same period the previous year, having hit a low of 300,000 per annum in 1993. However, despite high demand, a reward to the minority of companies that didn't throw out their pressing equipment in the 1980s, an industry that represents only 2% of U.S. music sales in the digital age has yet to attract investors as much as producers of the albums would hope. (Photo by Adam Berry/Getty Images)