To Bob Morton, President, Best Graphics, Inc. -

Here's a little background on that stitcher we bought from you. We were actually looking for a machine to run a specific job - a big 12" x 17" (folded size) weekly NASCAR publication that averages 140 pages per issue. Because it's a weekly, everything is critical on the job and we can't afford to have any production breakdowns.

Our regular vendor couldn't supply what we were looking for - so he recommended you to us. It turned out to be a great call. Bob, you were very forthright and honest in dealing with us, and the sales support has been exceptional. You've got a good group of guys... always right on top of things... very knowledgeable.

Our machine is a reconditioned Osako 230 that is basically dedicated to the NASCAR project. We liked the way it ran... the setup is much faster and easier than our previous unit. We needed a machine to run 30-lb. newsprint a minimum of 9,000 per hour. It's a real tight timeline on producing the book. From the start of printing to the time it starts to get shipped is only ten hours. Printing, bindery, the truck deadlines, everything is closely coordinated. We have to meet the deadlines without fail.

The Osako hasn't let us down. It's very user-friendly and the learning curve is easy. We had the operator productive on the second day. The machine is very robust and looks like it's going to be very durable for a long time to come. We also purchased a RIMA stacker from you folks that complements the stitcher very well. We're loading 40-pound stacks and it feeds real consistently.

The Osako sets up very easily: you set the chain to the knife and then set the pocket to the chain. Both are very simple operations. Our old machine had a half-dozen steps to do, the Osako has just two. Also, we can put more pockets in a smaller space. We've got four pockets and a cover feeder, and it takes up less space than two pockets and a cover feeder on the other machine.

The Osako has more features and useful attachments, too. For example, the mechanical-and-vacuum system to open signatures is much more reliable than the mechanical-only. We get a lot fewer misfeeds. We also like the center punch and the 4tth & 5th knife options. If I was going to buy another machine, I'd buy an Osako instead of the other guys. We're very happy. I'm pleased I did business with you. And when another vendor recommends you, I think that's really saying something.

Sincerely, Dan Young, Technical Services Manager