I recently had the opportunity to visit Bridgeport National Bindery in Western Massachusetts. As you may know, I have interviewed Kent Larson, Bridgeport’s VP, a number of times. You can search WhatTheyThink for Kent Larson to see them all. They have a great story!

It was quite an experience visiting the actual plant. What an interesting blend of the old and the new! Operating as a family-owned business since 1947, Bridgeport National Bindery has a rich heritage in the creation of high-quality case and library bound books as well as rebinding of library books and school textbooks. The company began experimenting with black & white digital presses in 2003, and added an HP Indigo digital color press in 2006, to address a desire on the part of customers to have printing and binding under the same roof. More recently, Bridgeport has expanded its printing capabilities by adding an HP T230 Color Inkjet Web Press to meet growing book and magazine printing needs.

While the legacy library and textbook binding business now only represents about 20% of the company’s revenues, it is still an important part of its heritage and current business. The images below show both the old and the new, with some equipment dating back to the 40’s and the new inkjet web press looking quite futuristic! 

The Bindery at Bridgeport National Bindery

Production Inkjet Pressroom at Bridgeport National Bindery

I was especially impressed with the amount of space and skill the company has dedicated to the art of book binding, whether it is for high value digitally printed books or rebinding of library books, textbooks and other book binding requests that come their way. Bridgeport has perfected a rounded case binding that adds a very nice touch to a high-value book. They can also handle all types of sewn, as well as leather binding and the letterpress application of gold leaf or other special lettering.

While we love and get excited about the transformation that inkjet technology is bringing to the book printing and publishing industry, and while many of us do our reading on electronic devices, it is heartwarming to see a business like Bridgeport National Bindery that takes pride in the ancient art of bookbinding and is turning out wonderful hand-bound books, preserving this important craft.

Restored Books at Bridgeport National Bindery