EMI Tape Ltd. - a distinct manufacturing division of EMI Records that produced magnetic tape from roughly the mid-1950s - was located at the EMI industrial complex in Hayes, Middlesex.
EMITAPE was used not only for home audio but also by the BBC, recording studios, radio stations, film and television studios, sound effect libraries, and EMI’s own professional studios. For instance, in 1962, EMI advertised the use of EMITAPE by the Stagesound library, which served ITV, commercial radio, and London’s film and theater sectors.
Around 1965–1966, the production facility underwent a major technological upgrade, featuring a new version of EMITAPE, new equipment, automated controls, quality monitoring at every stage of production, and new oxide-coating technologies. The product utilized a high-strength polyester base film and came in four varieties: Standard, Long, Double, and Triple Play.
By 1968, EMI had begun production of 60- and 90-minute Compact Cassettes. In 1970, the company opened new facilities for tape duplication.
By 1975, EMI offered an extensive range of media for commercial audio duplication. In 1976, the company highlighted that EMITAPE was used for more than half of all British releases recorded on master tape.
In the late 1970s, EMI began divesting various business units, and in 1979, it was acquired by Thorn Industries.
An article in *Music Week* dated April 11, 1981, reported on a crisis at the Hayes tape factory and discussions with trade unions; ultimately, however, EMITAPE production ceased in May 1981, coinciding with the restructuring of EMI/Thorn EMI.