Book Manufacturers' Institute

Since 1933 the Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI) has provided tremendous value to its member companies and others associated with the book manufacturing industry over the years. BMI member companies range from full service book manufacturers to those specializing in the digital print market, specialty binderies, component printers, packagers, equipment manufacturers, and suppliers of a variety of materials and services. In the Spring of 1920, five prominent members, at their own expense, visited the cities of Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and St. Louis. During their travels they conferred with local bookbinders about forming a national organization. The idea was not initially embraced by those with whom they spoke, but their inspiring story about the success of the Employing Book Binders of the City of New York soon garnered interest. As a result, companies in these respective cities formed local organizations and pledged to assist in every way possible with the formation of a national association of bookbinders. By 1933, the movement had grown to include members representing all phases of the printing industry from all parts of the country. A code of fair competition was adopted. In addition, publishers encouraged the book manufacturers to organize the national association so that standard procedures could be developed resulting in common business practices. Given this level of interest and support, the Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI) became incorporated on August 7, 1933. Since 1933, BMI has been the nationally recognized trade association representing the book manufacturing industry. BMI member companies annually produce the majority of books ordered by the U.S. book publishing industry. Today, BMI is a vital part of the industry, playing a leading role in providing an intra-industry communications link among book manufacturers, publishers, suppliers and governmental bodies.