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

Per your request, we're happy to "put in writing" our experience with our new Best/Osako 368 saddle stitcher. As you know, this is our second Osako stitcher. We've been running our first Osako, a model 360, for over 17 years, and never had a major repair. The new one has been a joy to operate.

We like the features. The tilt-back feeder is pretty unique - it can run smaller, larger, wider and narrower than any other feeder in this class of stitcher. It's a plus, because you don't have running delays and it doesn't get in the way. Also, it can move from auto feeding to hand feeding without any delays.

With this new 368, we've picked up at least 25-30% on our running speeds and output per hour. Set-up, stacking, feeding - everything - is quicker, easier, simpler. The faster setup has all of our operators happy. They find the new 368 saves time and they love the easy make-ready. In fact, our second shift operator learned to run the machine in one day, without a hitch. It's been amazing, how smoothly everything has gone. We just couldn't be happier.

As far as service, we're very pleased with the support you gave us on installation, training, and so on, but we haven't had a chance to use the repair service. We purchased the Osako 368 several months ago and nothing has needed repair yet. But in the past, we have ordered parts from Best for our older equipment and they have always come in as promised.

The new 368 appears to just as reliable as our old one. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone needing a highly automated saddle stitcher that delivers ease of operation plus excellent productivity and value. Especially after having no major problems over the last seventeen years!

Sincerely,

Ed Halbur, Ron Jutrzonka and Gil Nielsen