Illinois Tool Works Inc
Illinois Tool Works Inc.,'was founded in 1912 and incorporated in 1915. The Company
is a worldwide manufacturer of highly engineered products and specialty systems.
The Company has approximately 625 operations in 44 countries that are aggregated
and organized for internal reporting purposes into the following five segments:
Engineered Products'' North America: Businesses in this segment are located
in North America and manufacture a variety of short lead-time plastic and metal
components and fasteners, as well as specialty products for a diverse customer
base.
Engineered Products'' International: Businesses in this segment are located
outside North America and manufacture a variety of short lead-time plastic and
metal components and fasteners, as well as specialty products for a diverse
customer base.
Specialty Systems'' North America: Businesses in this segment are located in
North America and design and manufacture longer lead-time machinery and related
consumables, as well as specialty equipment for a diverse customer base.
Specialty Systems'' International: Businesses in this segment are located outside
North America and design and manufacture longer lead-time machinery and related
consumables, as well as specialty equipment for a diverse customer base.
Leasing and Investments: Businesses in this segment make investments in mortgage
entities, leases of telecommunications, aircraft, air traffic control and other
equipment, properties and property developments, affordable housing and a venture
capital fund.
Competition
The Company's global competitive environment is complex because of the wide
diversity of products the Company manufactures and the many markets it serves.
Depending on the product or market, the Company may compete with a few other
companies or with many others.
The Company is a leading producer of plastic and metal components and fasteners;
laminate products; polymers and fluid products; welding products; packaging
machinery and related consumables; food service equipment; and industrial finishing
equipment.