With a legacy spanning over a century, a history of pressing records since 1932, and crowned by the iconic AD12, Pheenix Alpha boasts a proven lineage.
Always Striving for Better Solutions
ABOUT US
FOR AD12 AND LUNAR LANDERS
When our skilled engineers decided to develop a vinyl press in the 70s, they aimed for nothing less than the latest, smartest, safest, and most efficient. Instead of creating a manual press, they harnessed the era's cutting-edge technology, giving birth to the world's first fully automatic record press with computer control – a feat accomplished when computers were mostly confined to large metal cabinets and lunar landers. It's no wonder that Toolex Alpha AD12 quickly achieved legendary status worldwide.
SMALLEST FOOTPRINT
Even the heart of the machine, the press, was crafted specifically for vinyl records, foregoing any compromises. We designed AD12 to be strong yet compact, and still, no one has matched its small footprint.
PIONEERS IN ELECTROFORMING
We were also pioneers in Electroforming technology. In 198x, Toolex Alpha acquired Europafilm Studio, the originator of the patented method that revolutionized stamper production. The innovation involved tilting the matrix at a 45-degree angle, a departure from the traditional horizontal plating. This breakthrough significantly enhanced both production efficiency and stamper quality. We were the first globally to introduce and sell these cutting-edge machines. Today, we remain the exclusive provider of equipment for both electroforming and vinyl pressing.
SUPERIOR SUPPORT
Though AD12 has evolved over the years, its core remains steadfast after nearly 50 years and millions of pressed records. This grants you a reliability that, for natural reasons, no one else can rival. With a track record of delivering numerous machines over decades, our service reliability is in a league of its own. Should anything falter, a dedicated service team stands ready to expedite your return to operation.
A CHOICE FOR THE FUTURE
Now, we've integrated cutting-edge robotic technology, allowing easy upgrades, remote monitoring, and online servicing to align with your evolving needs. Equip your business for flourishing success while exceeding your customers' expectations.
Why settle for less?
“Even the heart of the machine, the press, was crafted specifically for vinyl records, foregoing any compromises...”
HISTORY
1888
Alpha is founded by Max Sievert and works with metals. After a few years, Brinell presses become a well-known Alpha product.
1932
AB Alpha starts production of records with presses developed in house.
1957
Europafilm's sound engineer, Bengt Runsten, envisioned expanding beyond film sound to music records. This idea became reality, attracting both Swedish top artists and international figures like Stan Getz. Dissatisfied with the slow and unreliable plating machines, Runsten invented a method that drastically improved efficiency and quality. Today this groundbreaking technique remains widely adopted worldwide.
1965
Engineering firm Toolex acquires AB Alpha from the Ericsson group. The merged company is named Toolex Alpha. Production of manual record presses for external customers increases.
1974
The first prototype of the famous AD12 is made.
1977
The world’s first fully automatic record press with computer control is introduced. AD12 quickly becomes the market leader.
1984
Toolex Alpha acquires Europafilm Studio with its patented electroforming method, becoming the first to sell these superior stamper manufacturing machines worldwide.
1985
The world’s first injection molding machine exclusively for CD replication is developed.
1986
The last of ca 1000 AD12machines is manufactured.
1994
Toolex Alpha is listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
1997
The world’s first integrated replication line for DVD is introduced to the market.
1998
Toolex Alpha acquires the Dutch company ODME. Toolex International is listed on Amsterdam stock exchange.
2006
All assets of Toolex Alpha are acquired by Pheenix Alpha.
2016
The first modernized Pheenix Alpha AD12 is delivered to customer.
2023
The first new, modernized electroforming machines are presented and manufactured.
