Snap-on's CDI Torque Products Division Receives Gold Award in the 2002 Industrial Design Excellence Awards

KENOSHA, Wis., Jul 12, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE: SNA) announced today that its CDI Torque Products Division was recognized with a gold award in the 2002 Industrial Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) for its innovative dial-indicator torque wrench. The sleek wrench, featuring soft contours and high-tech brushed steel, offers users improved function and increased accuracy through ergonomic design.

"This product is a great example of the power of industrial design at its best," said Charles L. Jones, jury chair for IDEA and Whirlpool vice president, global consumer design. "The design team took a product that has remained largely unchanged for generations and improved its functionality, made it more ecologically friendly and gave it a unique design language that reinforces the brand. I am absolutely smitten with this product!"

Developed by CDI Torque Products, with the industrial design firm of Tor Petterson Associates, LLC, the new tool's housing uses impact-modified polymer to provide strength and ergonomic shape qualities. The internal skeleton is press-formed alloy steel, which gives structural integrity and rigidity required in a precision measurement instrument.

The 2002 Industrial Design Excellence Awards, the premier awards worldwide for industrial design, is co-sponsored by BusinessWeek and the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). A jury of 16 non-affiliated designers selected gold, silver and bronze awards from nearly 1,300 entries from around the world. Entries were accepted in 11 categories, which ranged from consumer products and furniture to medical and scientific products and transportation. The CDI dial-indicator torque wrench was recognized in the business and industrial products category. Each entry was judged on fulfilling five criteria in industrial design excellence: design innovation, benefit to the user, benefit to the client/business, ecological responsibility, and appropriate aesthetics and appeal.

"We are proud to be honored among this elite group of international winners who have created products that truly showcase excellence in functionality, visual appeal and customer application," said Gary Keefe, president, CDI.

CDI, a division of Snap-on Incorporated, is a developer and supplier of quality torque tools, torque testing equipment and calibration services, located in City of Industry, Calif. Its innovation is recognized in the complete list of winners on BusinessWeek's Web site, www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/02_27/b3790100.htm, and on IDSA's Web site, http://www.idsa.org/whatis/seewhat/idea2002/busind.htm.

Snap-on Incorporated (www.snapon.com) is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tool, diagnostic and equipment solutions for professional tool users. Product lines include hand and power tools, diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage, diagnostics software and other solutions for vehicle-service, industrial, government and agricultural customers, and commercial applications, including construction and electrical. Products are sold through its franchised dealer van, company-direct sales and distributor channels, as well as over the Internet. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2+ billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and employs approximately 13,500 people worldwide.

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CONTACT:          Snap-on Incorporated
                  Richard Secor (Media), 262/656-5561                      
                  Bill Pfund (IR), 262/656-6488                  

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