Rank Audio Plastics Ltd

UK record manufacturer, established 1959 as joint venture of the Rank Organisation and French company Hachette, after incorporating Paul S. Lynton's company Lyntone Recordings Ltd. Lynton subsequently became Commercial Manager of the new company. A US subsidiary, Rank Audio Plastics Inc., was established in 1959, manufacturing "thin unbreakable plastic" (i.e. "flexi") discs for the US market. In 1961, Rank decided to withdraw from all record operations and subsequently sold the Top Rank label and the two Rank Audio Plastics companies. Lynton left the company and revived his former company Lyntone Recordings. Under new management, Rank Audio Plastics was renamed to Audio Plastics Ltd. in March 1961. In December 1963, it was decided that Rank Audio Plastics be wound up voluntarily, which was completed by June 1964.