ITW Reports 14 Percent Growth in Operating Revenues for Three Months Ended January 31, 2007; Base Revenues Increase 2 Percent for Three Month Period

GLENVIEW, Ill., Feb. 15, 2007 -- Illinois Tool Works Inc. today reported an operating revenue increase of 14 percent for the three months ended January 31, 2007. Operating revenues for the three month period consisted of 2 percent growth from base revenues, a 9 percent increase from acquisitions and a 3 percent contribution from translation and other items. While base revenue growth benefited from strong demand from a broad array of international end markets, a number of North American end markets continued to show signs of weakness in 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 January 31, 2007 versus prior year period)

       *Engineered Products/North America:        +    4%
       *Engineered Products/International:        +   13%
       *Specialty Systems/North America:          +   10%
       *Specialty Systems/International:          +   22%

The Company's forecasted earnings range is $0.69 to $0.73 in the 2007 first quarter and $3.27 to $3.39 for the full-year. The midpoints of these 2007 forecasted ranges would represent earnings growth of 9 percent in the first quarter and 11 percent for the full-year.

The statements regarding the Company's 2007 first quarter and full-year forecasts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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 $14.1 billion in revenues diversified manufacturer of highly engineered components and industrial systems and consumables. The company consists of approximately 750 business units in 49 countries and employs some 55,000 people.