Innovation Since the Beginning
In the summer of 1941, two brothers — Cecil and Tirey Samsill, two of twenty-three children — made a vow in a Texas cornfield: when they grew up, they’d go into business together. Neither knew what that business would become. Twelve years later, on April 1, 1953, Samsill Brothers Plastic Company was born in Fort Worth, Texas.
What started with hand-folded products — shop card holders, menu covers, and protectors sewn by hand — grew into something neither brother could have imagined that hot July day. More than seventy years later, Samsill is the only mass manufacturer of ring binders in the United States, and the company Cecil and Tirey built is still family-owned.
Today, Samsill offers the widest assortment of binder sizes, colors, and pack configurations available — from economy options to premium builds, from ½” round ring to 6” D-ring, in hundreds of stock configurations across more colors and pack sizes than any other manufacturer. Whether you’re outfitting a classroom, stocking a corporate supply room, or sourcing for a government contract, we have what you need — made here, shipped reliably, backed by a company that’s been doing this longer than anyone.
Now & Beyond
As we look to the next chapter, Samsill is committed to leading the office products industry toward more sustainable choices — without asking anyone to compromise on performance.
Our Earth’s Choice™ line was the first plant-based binder on the market, and in 2016 became the world’s first USDA Certified Biobased ring binder. Made with at least 59% plant-based material and 100% post-consumer recycled chipboard, it’s a verified sustainable choice for organizations tracking ESG metrics, schools building greener supply chains, and families who want products they feel good about.
We’re proud of where we’ve been. We’re more excited about where we’re going — still family-owned, still Made in USA, still Fort Worth.
Samsill’s Milestones
1941
Two brothers pledge to build a business
1953
Samsill Brothers Plastic Company is founded on April 1
1956
“Crystal Clear” Trademarked & over 165 products made from clear plastic
1957
Samsill’s first product catalog was printed
1960
Samsill is believed to be among the first companies to produce a sealed vinyl ring binder
1970
National recognition in the category through national representation & wholesale catalog
1983
Classic Collection® was introduced as the first line of business accessories
1985
Sam’s Club becomes our retailer
1989
Ground breaking for new facility
1997
Patent for DXL special curved spine D-Ring
1998-1999
Samsill establishes import partnerships in China and Mexico
2001
Launches online design and ordering of products
2005
First Antimicrobial binder on the market
2006
First products licensed by Microsoft
2008
World’s Largest Binder! Introduction of the 6” binder to the market & release of “I Like Big Binders” music video
2010
First Plant-based binder on the market — Earth’s Choice™
2010
Texas Award for Performance Excellence
2012
Altego clear sleeve patent
2013-2014
Speedy Spine Patent — 5x faster spine label insertion
2016
World’s first USDA Certified Biobased ring binder — Earth’s Choice™
2023
Samsill celebrates 70 years on April 1, 2023