ITW Shakeproof
Industrial Products is the original Illinois
Tool Works (ITW) division.
ITW operates
over 650 companies in 45 countries. Founded
in 1912, ITW's earliest
products included milling cutters and hobs
used to cut gears. Today, ITW is
a multinational manufacturer of highly engineered
components and systems whose diverse business
units span the globe and serve a wide variety
of markets.
ITW's
operations are decentralized; basing their
production facilities in proximity to the
markets they serve and building close working
relationships with customers.
Although characterized
by decentralization, regional focus and close
customer contact, ITW operating
units frequently collaborate on joint ventures
targeted at specific industries. ITW's
Technology Center and Global Product Development
Center serve as a focal points for intracompany
research and new product development.
ITW Shakeproof was
born in 1923 through the design and development
of the twisted tooth lockwasher by ITW engineers.
This single invention marked the beginning
of fastener application engineering, which
continues industry wide today. The formation
of this company signaled the start of the
multinational, multibillion dollar Illinois
Tool Works Corporation that holds over 5000
patents to date. Product development is nurtured
throughout ITW and is recognized
as a major contributing force in the success
of the corporation.
What is known today as ITW
Shakeproof represents over 80
years of experience as an innovator and
manufacturer of fastener industry standards.
