ITW Reports 10 Percent Growth in Operating Revenues for Three Months Ended October 31, 2006; Base Revenues Increase 2 Percent for Three Month Period

GLENVIEW, Ill., Nov. 15, 2006 -- Illinois Tool Works Inc. today reported an operating revenue increase of 10 percent for the three months ended October 31, 2006. Operating revenues for the three month period consisted of 2 percent growth from base revenues and an 8 percent increase from acquisitions. While base revenue growth benefited from strong demand from international end markets, a number of North American end markets continued to show signs of moderation or decline for the three month period.

On a manufacturing segment basis, the Company's three month moving average percentage change for operating revenues, comprised of base revenues and acquisitions, is provided below.

     (% change for 3 months ended October 31, 2006 versus prior year period)

     *Engineered Products/North America:         +    5%
     *Engineered Products/International:         +    5%
     *Specialty Systems/North America:           +   12%
     *Specialty Systems/International:           +   17%

The Company's forecasted earnings range is $0.77 to $0.81 for the 2006 fourth quarter and $3.01 to $3.05 for the full year. The forecasted base revenues are expected to grow in a range of 3.1 percent to 5.1 percent for the fourth quarter and 4.0 percent to 4.6 percent for the full year.

The statements regarding future end market activity as well as the Company's 2006 earnings and revenue growth estimates are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company's fourth quarter and full-year forecasts. These statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are set forth in ITW's Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2006.

ITW is a $12.8 billion in revenues diversified manufacturer of highly engineered components and industrial systems and consumables. The company consists of approximately 700 business units in 48 countries and employs some 50,000 people.