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Leeds entrepreneur relaunches mighty 'Wurlitzer'
A THIRTY-year dream has come true for a Leeds entrepreneur with the launch of his version of the best-selling jukebox of all time.
Sound Leisure's newest music machine is based on the classic Wurlitzer 1015.
It is already attracting interest from buyers as far afield as Dubai after making its debut at the recent Ideal Homes Exhibition.
Alan Black is founder and chairman of Sound Leisure – which has an 80,000 sq ft factory in Cross Gates, Leeds, where it makes the jukeboxes.
He said: "I've dreamt for over 30 years about re-creating the 1015 and it will now become the flagship model in our Classic Nostalgia range.
"Despite the credit crunch, our research tells us collectors will welcome the craftsmanship and sound quality of the machine for years to come, with a good proportion of customers handing it on to the next generation."
Ian Williams, policy director at Leeds Chamber of Commerce, said: "It's great to see Leeds manufacturers such as Sound Leisure succeeding in what is an extremely tough trading environment."
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The original Wurlitzer model was launched in 1946 and sold 56,000 in just one year.
There are thought to be around 6,000 left around the world, costing up to 12,000 each.
It held 24 78rpm records that played only one side, but Sound Leisure's version holds 80 compact discs and can be connected to an ipod.
Prices start at 4,850.
Sound Leisure has a 9m annual turnover and 100 employees in Leeds alone.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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