October 15, 2009 – Alexandria, MN – ITW Heartland, a certified leader in precision engineered machines and gears, announced today the completion and the second in a row perfect scoring on its ISO:9001/AS9100 surveillance audit for its Spiroid® division. This particular audit focused on the engineering and design process requirements of the AS9100 Standard.

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); 100% (April 2009); and 100% (October 2009).

These six-month surveillance audits ensure that suppliers maintain a documented and effective quality system, in conformance with the quality system requirements. 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.

“The results speak for themselves,” said ITW Heartland General Manager Brian Baustian. “ITW Heartland is dedicated to providing our customers with quality products and service, through the continual process of evaluation and improvement.”

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.