Innovation

ITW's culture is rooted in developing commercial innovations. Many of our product success stories begin on-site, where our customers' needs are most apparent. Thanks to the expertise of ITW's management and sales force (many of whom are trained engineers), we are well equipped to provide practical and time-sensitive solutions to the most complex situations. Our seasoned workforce intimately understands the manufacturing challenges facing customers and can develop original solutions from the ground up.

We also have the ability to support our businesses through our ITW Technology Center. Working on a request-only basis from our business units, the technology center provides advanced consulting on issues such as cutting-edge materials, mechanical designs and manufacturing processes.

ITW's passion for creating commercial innovations is no secret, considering we typically rank in the top 100 of patent recipients in the United States. In 2007, we had nearly 20,000 unexpired patents and pending applications worldwide and ranked 79 of top issuers of U.S. patents in 2006.

In addition, each year we recognize the worldwide patent contributions of our people through the ITW Patent Society. Founded in 1969, the society has 800 members, including hundreds of engineers, technicians and other innovative thinkers employed by ITW (including hundreds of our talented salespeople). Nearly 185 of the members are considered Distinguished Fellows, recognized for having patents on inventions for products with noteworthy commercial success, and 21 individuals are Hall of Fame members, distinguished for their lifetime achievement.