Custom Precision Machining for Print Finishing Equipment
Mid-State Litho operates a fully equipped, in-house precision machine shop in Grand Blanc, Michigan — the only print finishing equipment dealer in the Great Lakes region with dedicated machining capabilities. From Hunkeler scrap blade sharpening and Horizon VAC system modifications to custom one-off parts fabrication, our machinists work directly alongside our factory-trained service technicians. That means every part we manufacture is built with deep knowledge of the equipment it goes into. Whether you need a replacement part for a discontinued model, a custom modification to improve throughput, or precision-ground blades to keep your finishing line running, we machine it in-house with faster turnaround and tighter tolerances than outsourcing to a general shop.
Equipment We Service
Our precision machining capabilities cover parts and modifications for all major print finishing equipment brands, including:
Horizon — VAC series components, bearing supports, bin extenders, collator parts, bookletmaker wear items.
Hunkeler — Scrap blade sharpening (HKU 700, HKU 2020, HKU 2000 cutting units), custom paper path components.
Challenge — Paper cutter parts, blade holders, clamp components, custom fixtures.
MBM Triumph — Cutter components, folder wear parts, drill bits and bushings.
Formax — Inserter modifications, feeder adjustments, custom sensor mounts.
We also manufacture replacement parts for discontinued equipment models — if the original part is no longer available, we can reverse-engineer and machine a precision replacement.
Our Machining Services
- Hunkeler Scrap Blade Sharpening — Precision regrinding of HKU 700, HKU 2020, and HKU 2000 cutting units. Each blade can typically be sharpened 4-5 times before replacement is needed.
- Horizon VAC-1000 Envelope Handling Kit — Custom-machined sensor mounts and floor plates for the VAC-1000 system.
- SPF Bookletmaker Bearing Support Kit — Custom-machined bearing cradles that extend the service life of Horizon SPF bookletmakers.
- Custom Parts Fabrication — CNC machining of one-off and short-run parts for any print finishing equipment brand.
- Bin Extenders — Machined bin extensions for Horizon VAC series to increase capacity up to 24 inches.
- Smart Conveyor Systems — Custom automated material handling solutions designed for print finishing workflows.
Why Choose Mid-State Litho's Machine Shop?
Dealer Expertise, Not Just Machining — Unlike general machine shops, our machinists understand print finishing equipment inside and out. Every part is manufactured with knowledge of how it functions in your workflow.
In-House = Faster Turnaround — No shipping parts to a third party and waiting weeks. Our machine shop is steps away from our service department, so we can diagnose, design, and deliver in days, not weeks.
40+ Years of Equipment Knowledge — Founded in 1984, Mid-State Litho has been servicing, repairing, and modifying print finishing equipment for over four decades. That institutional knowledge goes into every part we machine.
Factory-Trained Technicians — Our service team holds factory training certifications from Horizon, Challenge, and other major manufacturers. When they identify a part that needs machining, the specs are exact.
Discontinued Part Solutions — Equipment outlasts its manufacturer's parts inventory. We reverse-engineer and machine replacement parts for models that are no longer supported, keeping your investment running.
Need a custom part or want to discuss a machining project? Contact us or call 810-238-7370. Explore our full range of perfect binders, paper folders, and other equipment, or learn about financing options for new equipment purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of precision machining services does Mid-State Litho offer?
We offer a full range of precision machining services including custom parts fabrication, blade sharpening (Hunkeler cutting units), equipment modifications, bearing support kits, bin extenders, smart conveyor systems, and reverse-engineering of discontinued parts. Our in-house machine shop in Grand Blanc, Michigan serves print finishing operations across the Great Lakes region.
Can you machine replacement parts for discontinued print finishing equipment?
Yes. When OEM parts are no longer available, our machinists can reverse-engineer the original component and manufacture a precision replacement. We've built parts for discontinued models from Horizon, Challenge, MBM, and other manufacturers that are still running in production environments.
How is your machining service different from a general machine shop?
Unlike general machine shops, our machinists work alongside factory-trained print finishing service technicians. Every part is designed with deep knowledge of how it functions within the equipment — tolerances, material requirements, and workflow impact are all considered. This dealer-machinist integration means faster turnaround and better-fitting parts.
How much does Hunkeler blade sharpening cost?
Hunkeler scrap blade sharpening is available for $3,000 per cutting unit, covering both the HKU 700 (small) and HKU 2020/HKU 2000 (large) models. Each blade can typically be sharpened 4-5 times before replacement is needed, making sharpening significantly more cost-effective than buying new.
Do you offer machining services for equipment not purchased from Mid-State Litho?
Absolutely. Our precision machine shop serves any print finishing operation regardless of where the equipment was originally purchased. Whether you need blade sharpening, custom modifications, or replacement parts for Horizon, Challenge, Hunkeler, MBM, Formax, or other brands, we can help.