ITW Announces Election of David B. Speer to President of the Company

GLENVIEW, Ill., Aug. 6, 2004 -- Illinois Tool Works Inc. today announced that David B. Speer, 53, has been elected President by the company's Board of Directors. In his new role, Speer will continue to report to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer W. James Farrell.

"David will play a pivotal role in the succession planning that will take place in anticipation of my retirement at the May 2006 Shareholders' Meeting," said Farrell, 62. "David's 26 years with ITW have included a succession of progressively more responsible operating positions which have prepared him well for the exciting challenges that lie ahead."

Since joining the company in 1978, Speer has held various selling, marketing and general management responsibilities within the construction products group. In 1995, he was named Executive Vice President of the global construction products businesses. In 1997, he added responsibility for the finishing systems businesses. In 2003, he assumed responsibility for the global Wilsonart laminate business units.

"This transition comes at a time when the company is reporting record revenues and earnings, and has in place the executive bench strength that will help ITW continue its stellar track record for years to come," said Farrell.

Speer graduated from Iowa State University in 1973, earning a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering. In 1977, he received a Masters in Management Degree from the Kellogg School of Business, Northwestern University. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Rockwell Automation, Inc., and serves on the Advisory Board of Northwestern University's Master of Management and Manufacturing program.

ITW is a $10.0 billion in revenues diversified manufacturer of highly engineered components and industrial systems and consumables. The company consists of approximately 625 decentralized operations in 44 countries and employs some 47,500 people.