Snap-on Tools - One of The World's Most Respected Brand of Tools - Now Available on The Internet

KENOSHA, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 21, 2000--

Snapon.com is New Opportunity for Enhanced Revenues for Snap-on; Potential Increased Sales Opportunities for Dealer Network

Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA) announced today the official launch of its public Web site, www.snapon.com, a new e-commerce initiative with the potential to drive new business to its franchise dealer network while increasing revenue for the company overall. The site features the first online catalog of Snap-on(R) hand tools, power tools, tool storage units and diagnostics equipment available to consumers and professionals in the United States. Now the same tools that are the mark of quality and distinction to millions of automotive technicians worldwide are available online to anyone who has ever dreamed of owning a set of the finest tools in the world - Snap-on(R) tools.

With an e-catalog containing more than 14,000 products, the site offers Snap-on the opportunity to reach unserved and underserved markets. Snap-on's Michael Montemurro, senior vice president-transportation, said the company is particularly excited about the Internet's potential for reaching thousands of professional technicians not currently served by Snap-on's mobile dealer franchise network. "This is a new day for Snap-on," said Montemurro. "The Snap-on dealer van is among the most productive retail spaces in the world. The online store creates the opportunity to further enhance the effectiveness of the dealer van and extend the legendary service our dealers provide by allowing customers to order 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Snap-on also expects snapon.com to boost interest in the brand, pointing to consumer research that shows great potential with do-it-yourselfers; heavy tool users; holiday shoppers; and users of recreational vehicles and watercraft. "We believe there are a lot of men and women who would love to receive a set of Snap-on(R) tools under the tree at Christmas or wrapped up for Mother's Day, Father's Day or a birthday. Furthermore, by bringing the Snap-on(R) name to the Internet, we're bringing the brand's quality and reputation to a new generation of consumers," Montemurro said. E-catalog Expected to Generate New Business for Snap-on Dealers

To enhance the Snap-on franchise, the site requires that visitors purchasing tools register by providing the name of their dealer, if they have one. For customers without dealers, Snap-on will record the volume and frequency of their purchases to determine if the individuals would be viable candidates for dealer calls. State-of-the-Art Web Site Technology

State-of-the-art Dell servers are utilized for the site to handle daily and holiday demand. Connected to Snap-on's ERP system, the robust and scalable technology can rapidly deploy enhanced capacity during busy periods. The dynamic e-catalog is continually updated, keeping inventory, part numbers and order status current. Customers receive immediate electronic communications regarding any part that is no longer available. Outdated part numbers provided by customers are automatically translated into current part numbers. Powered by OnLink(R) technology, the e-catalog provides detailed product views and tool specifications. "Snap-on's leadership has been built on relationships, innovation and unparalleled customer service," said Alan Biland, Snap-on vice president and chief information officer. "Using OnLink's guided selling expertise, we reinforce this customer focus on the Internet." Snap-on Technology Leadership

The e-catalog, expanded investor section and dealer information pages of snapon.com represent the latest innovations from a company that InformationWeek ranked first as a corporate user of information technology among manufacturing companies for the second year in a row and eleventh overall among the top 500 technology innovation leaders. In addition, InformationWeek ranked Snap-on 48th among the nation's most innovative practitioners of e-business applications and solutions in its first E-Business 100 ranking. Snap-on was recognized for its e-business initiatives, including use of a proprietary electronic interface that allows franchised dealers to communicate directly with the company, and a new online catalog and ordering system aimed at large industrial accounts. About Snap-on Incorporated

Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of tool and equipment solutions for professional tool users. Product lines include hand and power tools, diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage products, diagnostics software and other solutions for the transportation service, industrial, government, education, agricultural and other commercial applications, including construction and electrical. Products are sold through its franchised dealer van, company direct sales and distributor channels. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2+ billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin and employs approximately 14,000 worldwide.

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts, including statements (i) that include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," or "estimates" or similar words with reference to the Corporation or management; (ii) specifically identified as forward-looking; or (iii) describing the Corporation's or management's future plans, objectives or goals, are forward-looking statements. The Corporation or its representatives may also make similar forward-looking statements from time to time orally or in writing. The Corporation cautions the reader that these statements are subject to risks, uncertainties or other factors that could cause (and in some cases have caused) actual results to differ materially from those described in any such statement. Those important factors include the Corporation's ability to realize benefits in growth and efficiencies from e-business investments; the timing and progress with which the Corporation can continue to achieve higher productivity and attain further cost reductions; the Corporation's ability to retain and attract dealers, to integrate Bahco successfully, and to withstand external negative factors including changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies, laws and regulations, or other activities of governments or their agencies; and the absence of significant changes in the current competitive environment, inflation, currency fluctuations or the material worsening of economic and political situations around the world. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. The Corporation operates in a continually changing business environment and new factors emerge from time to time. The Corporation cannot predict such factors nor can it assess the impact, if any, of such factors on the Corporation or its results. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results. The Corporation disclaims any responsibility to update any forward-looking statement provided in this news release.

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