Editorial Contact: Simona GeorgescuAdduco Communications+1 347-730-6034simona@adducomm.com

ITW INSTINCT AND ITW VALÉRON INTRODUCE INNOVATIONS IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDING AT INTERNATIONAL

BUILDERS’ SHOW®

- ITW showcases latest products from software to building materials -

Las Vegas, NV (February 4, 2013) – ITW Instinct and ITW Valéron Strength Films, both divisions of Illinois Tools Works Inc. (ITW), are exhibiting together in Booth #C2062 at the NAHB International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, NV. Visitors to the booth learn about solutions to streamline residential builds, reduce costs and identify quality materials to ensure the longevity and protection of new builds. To learn more about structural connectors for residential building, attendees to the booth can also visit with the ITW BCG Hardware team.

“As part of the growing ITW Building Components Group (BCG), we have the experience and solutions to provide builders with almost everything they need to build a home. From software to hardware and materials, we are becoming a quality one-stop-shop,” says Michael Schwitter, Business Unit Manager of ITW Instinct, North America. “This collaboration ensures customers spend less time and money searching for the right products to get the job done.”

Attendees can experience the collaborative group effort firsthand with ITW Instinct’s VisionREZ products. The first fully-integrated Building Information Modeling (BIM) system for residential construction facilitates collaboration among all construction professionals. The VisionRez software suite ties the residential CAD design work of builders, architects, and engineers directly to component manufacturing professionals and the practical application of established structural framing practices. It further allows professionals to exchange a single BIM file and collaborate to identify potential problems and offer solutions on-screen, not on-site.

New to VisionREZ this year, the VisionREZ for Revit 2014 Plug-in is now available. This is the first VisionREZ product designed specifically for the Revit platform and is based on award winning VisionREZ products for AutoCAD Architecture (ACA). In addition, Instinct announces the release of VisionREZ 2014 3D BIM on AutoCAD Architecture -- the 2014 version is available in both a Plug-in that integrates with full seats of AutoCAD Architecture and the OEM stand-alone version. New features in the 2014 release include: Shear-Wall User Interface, Automatic Stacked Opening Tools, Automated Wall Hardware Tools, In-line Framing Automation, Integration link with Weyerhaeuser Javelin® Software and compatibility with Windows 8. “Incorporating VisionREZ into our business has allowed us to produce faster and more accurate material take‐offs,” says Silvio Salinas, Team Leader, Tilson Homes, a leading custom

homebuilder with offices throughout Texas . “By controlling material count, we have reduced material waste which saves money and helps us stay Green. Drawing in 3D has enabled our drafters to address any potential field issues before the project goes to our builders which, if not addressed, could cost us significantly.”

Visitors to the booth also learn about ITW Valéron Vortec™ house wrap, the industry’s first and only multi-directional drainage barrier. The patented 3D surface pattern deflects moisture, drains better and dries more effectively than conventional house wraps. Valéron Vortec™ promotes drainage and helps protect homes from potential mold growth, mildew and structural damage. Vortec™ house wrap features all the benefits of today’s house wrap or water resistive barrier with tomorrow’s drainage characteristics built-in.

Valéron’s Vortec™ is an excellent product for other building products as well and is commonly used for flashing tapes. Vortec™ can be used behind brick and stucco, hard board and cement based claddings, and vinyl and wood siding. With lightweight and smaller rolls, it makes installation easier. Vortec™ meets Oregon code R703.1 requiring drainage from the wall cavity and is permeable to allow moisture vapor migration while also offering a highly resistant barrier to water.

“As is the case with all films Valéron manufactures, Vortec™ gives users greater peace-of-mind knowing that the film will ensure the greatest protection of their applications,” says Marguerite Gerritsen, Director Strategic Marketing & Innovation for Valéron. “One of our latest innovations includes the development of a new cross-laminated Valéron film® with flame retardant properties for the construction market which opens-up a whole range of new applications which we are eager to showcase at the show.” For builders, that means not only protecting the build through completion but also providing owners an extra level of protection on one of the biggest investments of their lives -- their home.”

To learn more about ITW Instinct, visit: http://itwinstinct.com/company/.

To learn more about ITW Valéron, visit www.valeron.com.

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About ITW Building Components Group (BCG)Innovative software, equipment, products and services from ITW BCG allow our customers to manufacture and sell the finest truss and wall components available in North America. ITW’s Instinct Residential Design System streamlines the building process and makes collaboration easier. ITW BCG is a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) ), a Fortune 150 company based in Glenview, IL with approximately half of the revenues generated outside of the United States. For more information, visit www.instinct.com.

Media contact for ITW Instinct: Mark Sedar Director of SalesTel: 775 825 0531 Email msedar@ITWBCG.com

About ValéronValéron Strength Films, with locations in Houston (TX), Essen (Belgium) and Shanghai (China), is the single source supplier of Valéron® film, a unique cross-laminated, flexible polyethylene specialty film showing high mechanical properties that can be found in a number of very demanding applications worldwide in construction, specialty packaging and print media. Valéron Strength Films is a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW), a Fortune 150 company based in Glenview, IL with approximately half of the revenues generated outside of the United States. For more information, please visit our website: www.valeron.com

Media contact for Valéron:Marguerite GerritsenDirector Strategic Marketing & InnovationTel: +32 3 670 0752Email: mgerritsen@Valéron.com