Snap-on Franchise Recognized as a Top Technology Innovator by InformationWeek

KENOSHA, Wisconsin (October 12, 1999) -- InformationWeek recognized Snap-on Incorporated, a global leader in tools and equipment, as the number one technology innovator in the manufacturing industry and number nine overall in its September 27 issue.

The ranking is part of InformationWeek's annual listing of the nation's 500 largest and most innovative IT users. According to the magazine, its rankings were determined, not by how much technology companies purchase, but by what they do with it. Companies were awarded "medals" for their programs in application development, E-business, customer management and business processes/enterprise resource planning. Snap-on was awarded the highest rankings (gold citations) in all four categories.

Recognizing the impact information technology is having on business today, InformationWeek stated, "In a year marked by the explosive growth of E-transformation and the technological challenges of Y2K, 500 companies from a diverse range of industries have been singled out as the most innovative users of technology in the 11th annual Information Week 500."

Snap-on ranked 23rd among manufacturing companies and 155th overall in the 1998 InformationWeek 500.

Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global developer, manufacturer, and marketer of tool and equipment solutions for professional technicians, motor service shop owners, specialty repair centers, original equipment manufacturers and dealerships, and industrial tool users worldwide. Product lines include hand and power tools, diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage products, diagnostics software, and other solutions for the transportation service and industrial industries.

Snap-on Incorporated, 262-656-5561