ITW Acquires hsbCAD Glenview, Illinois – (March 11, 2008) - Illinois Tool Works, Inc (NYSE: ITW) acquires Belgium-based hsbCAD. hsbCAD is a leading developer of software for computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) in the prefabricated building component manufacturing industry. hsbCAD software offers modules for timber-frame, stick-frame, light gauge steel frame, structural insulated paneling (SIP), roof and floor elements as well as log home design. “ITW’s impressive strength and global reach presents several exciting opportunities”, said Karel Vinckier, CEO and founder of hsbCAD. “ITW’s vision of one building information model will help integrate architects and engineers, along with manufacturing and construction professionals, streamlining all labor and materials in the process.” “The hsbCAD acquisition strengthens our offering to the European timber fabrication market. It complements ITW Alpine UK’s structure analysis software for roofs and floors and the Paslode Duofast line of nails, staples and modular tools for automated panel production” commented Paul Finnie, ITW Alpine UK, General Manager. “ITW Alpine UK and hsbCAD have been working together for several years to improve the design and production of timber frame buildings. The acquisition will accelerate the pace of the work we are doing to integrate every step of the building process for the benefit our customers”, Mr. Finnie stated. “hsbCAD is a proven AutoCAD based product and we welcome hsbCAD to the ITW family. They provide years of experience incorporating software for manufacturing equipment” said Antonio Justice, ITW Building Component Group Vice President. “By bringing together Ameri-CAD’s VisionREZ software to anchor the architectural front end in combination with hsbCAD’s strength in structural modeling, detailing and manufacturing, ITW has created a solid platform that will unite the fragmented residential design market.” About Illinois Tool Works, Inc. A leading international business corporation with nearly 100 years of history, Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) is a diversified manufacturer of advanced industrial technology. ITW designs and manufactures fasteners and components, equipment and consumable systems and a variety of specialty products for customers around the world. ITW has over $16 billion in revenues from 825 business units in 52 countries and employs some 60,000 people. On the internet at www.ITW.com About hsbCAD Headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, hsbCAD designs and sells Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to the construction industry, specializing in wood construction. Powered by Autodesk technology, their software translates all data from architectural drawings into fabrication drawings, and then creates the required CNC-files for automated equipment. hsbCAD was the first “Preferred Industrial Partner” for Autodesk worldwide. hsbCAD has 5 offices located in Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, and Ecuador. On the internet at www.hsbCAD.com and itwbcg.com
