Illinois Tool Works Inc. or ITW is an American Fortune 200[3] company that produces engineered fasteners and components, equipment and consumable systems, and specialty products.

It was founded in 1912 by Byron L. Smith and has built its growth on a "small-wins strategy" based on decentralization, simplicity, customer-focused innovation, and acquisitions.

[6] The company typically ranks in the top 100 of patent issuers in the U.S.[citation needed] ITW comprises a number of subsidiaries.

Notable brands include Hobart, Miller Electric, Paslode, Foster Refrigerator,[7] Brooks Instrument, and Permatex adhesives.

[8] The United States Department of Commerce imposed a $142,000 civil penalty on Illinois Tool Works in 2000, to settle allegations that the company illegally exported chemicals to Brazil on seven occasions between March 1994 and October 1997 without the required licenses and making false or misleading statements on Shipper's Export Declarations.