Leeds jukebox manufacturer strikes transatlantic deal with Louisville’s Crosley Radio

A Leeds-based manufacturer of classic jukeboxes and sound systems for the retail and leisure markets has signed a three year deal with Crosley Radio, located in Louisville, USA.

Under the deal, Sound Leisure will manufacture and supply classic jukeboxes for Crosley to sell under its own brand name in the US and Canada.

The US firm, which is a reseller of retro-styled turntables, radios, telephones and furniture, will also sell machines manufactured in Leeds in markets around the world where Sound Leisure doesn’t already have distributorships.

Chris Black, Sound Leisure’s managing director, said: “It’s a perfect fit for us in terms of brand, extending our reach into new markets and being able to plug directly into Crossley’s network of service and supply centres in the US.”

The deal, which has been an 18 month process, solidifies the existing links between the two cities, Leeds and Louisville.

Chris added: “Our American partners are delighted to be doing business in the UK but especially to be able to do business in Leeds, which is one of Louisville’s twinned cities. The appetite for vintage style jukeboxes, based on classic 1940s and 50s designs but equipped with the latest digital technology, continues to go from strength to strength.

“We’re ready to make the first shipment to Louisville in July and have already trained Crosley’s technicians on our product so that when it arrives we can hit the ground running.”

As part of the deal, Sound Leisure is also manufacturing a very limited run of custom jukeboxes for Crosley, which will be part of the US firm’s sponsorship in the American NASCAR and ARCA auto racing series and in the AMA Pro Flat Track motorcycle racing series.

Chris said: “We’ve invested a tidy sum in new tooling for our classic machines and the export approvals for the US have added to the cost of doing business, but the partnership with Crosley puts us well on course to achieve our targets for growth in sales of our classic jukebox range.

“We set ourselves a target of growing the ‘classics’ side of the business by 25% and last year we saw overall turnover up from £5.5m to £6.5m. This deal puts us on track for further growth in the division with predicted sales of between 2-3 million dollars in the first year, a figure that we expect to grow in the following years”

Due to its continued growth. Sound Leisure’ now employs 115 people at its manufacturing plant in Crossgates, Leeds.

Bo LeMastus, Crosley Radio chief executive officer, said: “For over 30 years, our company has marketed vintage inspired jukeboxes, radios, turntables for the vinyl record enthusiasts, outdoor furniture and indoor home entertainment furnishings. In that time, we have launched many new products.

“However, this new series of Sound Leisure jukeboxes will be far and away one of the best new product launched in the history of our company. A good part of our excitement is the result of the enthusiasm, talent and dedication of the Sound Leisure team.

“The entire team has been responsive to our ideas, plans and requests and we look forward to growing this relationship long into the future. The fact that Leeds and Louisville recognize one another as twinned cities, or “sister cities” as we say in Louisville, enhances the relationship.”

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