ITW makes its first acquisition, Shakeproof Screw, and Nut Lock Company. The company’s innovative washers solve stubborn auto manufacturing problems, just as the industry is taking off.

ITW’s contributions during WWII include representation of the War Production Board and the development of a new timesaving wafer cutter to rifle heavy artillery barrels.

ITW first decentralizes its operations to better focus on specific markets—a strategy the company maintains today. The Shakeproof business moves its offices from Chicago to Elgin, Illinois. In its new location, Shakeproof begins manufacturing plastic fasteners and components.

To expand the success of Shakeproof’s plastic fastener and components lines beyond automotive applications, ITW forms Fastex to develop products for Defence & General Industrial sectors.

The division begins the production of electric switches and related products.

ITW’s performance has been consistently strong—each new decade has added significantly to the company’s growth. ITW started product development for the construction industry and became the only company in the world to produce fastening systems for wood, metal, and concrete/masonry applications.

ITW extends its global reach beyond the North American Market and enhanced beverage and packaging industries.

The 1970s saw the rapid growth of ITW’s manufacturing of components, fasteners, filters, and assemblies for automotive companies around the world, along with new capabilities to provide sealants, sorbent materials and other specialty chemical products used in industrial maintenance.

With the acquisition of Devcon, ITW takes a major step to solidify its ability to supply adhesives and epoxies for a variety of industrial applications.

In the 1980s, ITW began to significantly increase its acquisition activity and extend its reach. More than 36 acquisitions serving both existing and new markets were made. ITW enters several joint ventures domestically and internationally.

During the 1990s, acquisitions increased ITW’s presence in the important metal fabrication and welding markets. Approximately 100 worldwide acquisitions, including CS Packaging, DeVilbiss/Volstatic, Dynatec, Hobart Brothers Company, Miller Group, and Premark International, it becomes largest acquisitions in ITW’s history

ITW’s proven strategies of increasing market with product innovations, extending current products to new industries and acquiring businesses that improve customer offerings provide the foundation for continued success in the 21st century.