The years after 1890 had produced some important
technological advances the phonograph and some these
advances, such better arrangements the controls, could be
applied phonograph for business use.
This explosive growth the phonograph business made its
mark the West Orange Complex which underwent massive
expansion program.
The first built were the facilities produce
records. The Edison Phonograph Works
was turning out 1000 machines and 100,000 cylinders every
twenty-four hours but this still was not enough meet demand. In
1903 announced that business machine, called the Edison
Commercial Phonograph, was being developed the West Orange
laboratory. was 240
. was basically a
modified amusement phonograph, rather than completely new
design, and still came handsome oak case. The Edison business
phonograph was formally unveiled 1905.VIII- 7
The success the amusement phonograph encouraged Edison
to return the idea phonograph for the business user. Extensions were added the back and sides the
Phonograph Works and separate building make records was
constructed parallel the laboratory its North side
adjacent the ends the satellite buildings. The many shacks, lean-tos and other
temporary structures— the architectural heritage "research
for hire" the nineteenth century were swept aside and
several new buildings were constructed from 1900 1906.
The 1906 sales year broke all records for sales of
phonographs and recorded cylinders
