Sony Distribution Center torched in London riots

Rioters in London apparently set Sony's Enfield-based DADC (Digital Audio Disc Corporation) facility ablaze last night, reducing the massive disc distribution center to flames and smoke. The massive multi-story, 20,000 square meter building would have likely contained stock tied to multiple mediums, ranging from music labels to video games to movies and more.

While some are reporting the building has "burned to the ground," at this point the damage appears to be strictly to the facility, and no injuries have been reported.

The head of digital marketing for PIAS entertainment group, an international licensing, distribution, sales, and marketing company for music, film, and comedy said on Twitter that he could "confirm that the Sony DADC warehouse in Enfield did burn to the ground, and Sony holds PIAS stock."

And Norman Records weighed in with its own grim pronouncement, writing: "Dreadful news from the rioting in London last night. The Sony DADC warehouse was burnt down last night which holds all the stock for PIAS UK (our largest supplier). Many of the labels like 4AD, Domino, Warp, Rock Action, Matador etc will probably have had their UK stock destroyed. Obviously this will have a massive effect on the music industry (and us). Our thoughts go out to all of those who've lost their jobs and livelihoods from this. Only time will tell what the knock on effect will be…"

Sony DADC describes itself as "a leading disc and digital solution provider for the entertainment, education and information industries, offering world-class optical media replication services, digital and physical supply chain solutions and software services." The location at Innova Park, Enfield is one of several international hubs for "service offices, optical media production, distribution and digital facilities in 19 countries worldwide."

According to game biz tracker MCV, the fire's still being fought by firefighters, and black smoke is visible across the district. Also: Sony admits deliveries of "all sorts of consumer products" could be affected.

"There will likely be some impact on deliveries," said Sony spokesperson Yoko Yasukochi. "We cannot determine the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage yet because it's not possible to enter the building.”

It's impossible to say precisely how this impacts international game distribution, but reports suggest much of Sony's European game disc packaging and distribution business was tied to the Enfield warehouse.

Interact with Game On: Twitter - Facebook - Get in touch