Smart Inc.
The Saddle Binding Specialists

Don't just take our word for it.....

" I have known the guys at Smart, Inc. for over 35 year and during that time I have bought six saddle binders from them. I consider then one of the most knowledgeable and professional companies in the printing industry."

Gary Rice Sr. Blue Islad Newspaper Printing, Harvey,IL

Our Business

Smart, Inc. specializes in all of your saddle binding equipment, parts and service needs. 

Who We Are

One day in June of 1967, my father came home from work and asked me if I would like a summer job. I had just graduated from high school and was not sure what direction life was headed, so I readily agreed. 

My father was a web pressman in the Chicago area and the company he worked for was looking for some help in bindery. Little did I know that my first day on the job would lead me to where I am now 50 years later! I started my career by loading pockets on a McCain stitcher. It wasn't long until the operator of my machine got drafted (this was during the Vietnam conflict) and the bindery foreman offered me an apprenticeship on the stitcher. I started running and repairing my machine at the young age of 17. I did this for the next 7 years until our place of business went bankrupt as so many other printing companies had done. Fortunately, I was offered a job in Southern California running publication work on a Sheridan stitcher-trimmer. It was there that I met Bob Roth, who came in to service folding machines. Bob had just started his own business and we quickly became friends. He asked me if I would like to do some "moonlighting" by servicing stitchers and I became hooked on the job. 

In 1977, I moved back to Chicago and took a job with McCain manufacturing as a service technician. The printing industry was flying high then and McCain employees were working two shifts a day to keep up with orders for new equipment. During this time, I met several customers that complained that they could not afford or justify the price of a new saddle binder and they could not find anyone to rebuild one. The light went off in my head and the rest is history. In 1978, I started Smart, Inc. with the idea of  bridging the gap between buying a new machine and servicing the old machines to function as well as the new ones.  

We are a small close-knit company of talented engineers, technicians and mechanics that exclusively specialize in saddle binding equipment. We produce a limited amount of machines each year. Most of us are ex-stitcher operators who have been with the company for over 20 years. We not only know the mechanics of the machinery, we also have the production knowledge and experience! We can make recommendations to improve production speeds and reduce make-ready time. So from the thousands of used saddle binders in the field , we can help you select the make and model that fits your needs and price range. We can build a machine to your specifications and even do modifications to enhance production. We do service calls as well as relocate your present machinery.

All of our rebuilt or reconditioned machinery is thoroughly cleaned, all worn parts replaced, all metal guards are repaired and painted the original color and the plastic guards are repaired or replaced. The machine is then fully assembled with all guards fitted and installed. We then test run the machines with paper to eliminate the "bugs". I personally check and re-check each machine before it gets my approval to go to the customer. You can be assured that I will not release a machine unless I would feel comfortable buying it for my print shop or bindery shop. Each machine sold by us receives lifetime technical support. Buyers have access to our 24 hour tech support line. 

Since we refurbish so many saddle binders, we have access to thousands of parts that we keep in stock, either new, used or new/old stock. If you have an obsolete machine that you cannot find parts for you may have some luck with us. We also stock new, used and rebuilt stitcher heads, stitcher head parts , new and used trimmer knives, rubber and vinyl suckers, new gathering chain, belts, sprockets and our machine buyers receive discounts on stitching wire. Our superior customer service will keep you coming back. We also sell add-on equipment such as extra feeders, coverfeeders, vacuum parts and counter stackers.

So when it comes to your saddle binding machinery needs, join our thousands of satisfied customers and call Smart, Inc. I can guarantee your satisfaction.

Danny Smart

President and Owner

Smart, Inc.