April 15, 2009 – Alexandria, MN – ITW Heartland, a certified leader in precision engineered machines and gears, announced today the completion and perfect scoring on its ISO:9001/AS9100 surveillance audit for its Spiroid® division.

These six-month surveillance audits are conducted in order for suppliers to demonstrate their process control capabilities to external parties, which ultimately determines the acceptability of the products or services being supplied. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) establishes specifications intended to ensure materials, procedures, processes, and services meet customer needs. The AS9100 designation adds explicit requirements specific to the aerospace market. Eligible companies, like ITW Heartland, build aircraft, spacecraft or related parts and assemblies.

Since their first audit in May 2007, ITW Heartland’s Spiroid division has continually progressed with assessment scores of 83.5% (May 2007); 92% (March 2008); 98.6% (October 2008); and 100% (April 2009).

“Our progress on our assessment scores is quite impressive,” said ITW Heartland General Manager Brian Baustian. “This recent flawless score demonstrates our commitment to quality and on-time delivery, and solidifies our place as a leading manufacturer for the Aerospace and Defense industries.”

ITW Heartland is a certified leader in precision engineered machines, parts, gears, and electro-mechanical products. Located in Alexandria, Minnesota, ITW Heartland has three distinct divisions: Spiroid Gearing (design and manufacturing of custom gearing); Manufactured Products (machining of close tolerances and complex components); and Strategic Assembly Solutions (complete machine assembly services). As an Illinois Tool Works company, ITW Heartland operates from a position of financial stability, engineering excellence, and refined manufacturing process.