ITW Acquires Despatch Industries; Company Is a Leading Provider of Thermal Processing Equipment

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) today announced that it has acquired
Despatch Industries, a leading provider of thermal processing equipment for the
solar, carbon fiber and other thermal technology markets. Terms of the
transaction were not disclosed.


With full-year 2011 revenues expected to exceed $200 million, Despatch
Industries products include solar cell firing furnaces, carbon fiber process
ovens, and thermal processing equipment. Despatch furnaces and industrial ovens
primarily serve customers in the solar energy, advanced materials and
electronics industries. The company was founded in 1902 and is located in
Lakeville, Minnesota.


"We are excited about this acquisition as the Company's core thermal technology
aligns well with certain of our other existing electronics equipment
businesses," said Steve Martindale, executive vice president. "As a leader in
thermal processing, Despatch provides us with immediate access to attractive and
high growth industries such as solar and carbon fiber as well as the opportunity
to extend sales of certain of our existing products into these new markets."


"This is an exciting opportunity for Despatch employees and customers as it will
allow us to accelerate our growth and innovation under the global umbrella and
strength of ITW," said Patrick Peyton, Despatch CEO. "Despatch's strong market
presence and proven technology, coupled with ITW's global breadth and
foundational strength, will facilitate a strong expansion of technology
advancements and next-generation tools."


With nearly 100 years of history, Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) is a
Fortune 200 global diversified industrial manufacturer. The Company's
value-added consumables, equipment and service businesses serve customers in
developed as well as emerging markets around the globe. ITW's key business
platforms, including welding, automotive OEM, industrial packaging, food
equipment, construction, polymers and fluids, test and measurement, electronics,
decorative surfaces and automotive aftermarket, employ more than 60,000 people
worldwide. ITW's revenues totaled $15.4 billion in 2010, with more than half of
these revenues generated outside of the United States.