VERNON HILLS, Ill., Aug 14, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Paslode, a leading producer of pneumatic and cordless fastening products, has been fully exonerated by the U.S. Department of Commerce ("DOC") of accusations that it "dumped" nails in the US market that it produces in China.

On June 16, the DOC published its final finding regarding the antidumping duty investigations on imports of steel nails from China and the UAE. Nails from China (except for those produced by Paslode) were found to be dumped in the USA; nails from UAE were not, and on July 9, the US International Trade Commission voted affirmatively that the petitioners are experiencing material injury as a result of sales at less than fair value of imported Chinese nails.

"From the very beginning of this investigation, we have maintained that our business practices were and are ethical and fair," said Mark Boutelle, General Manager of Paslode. "Paslode proudly produces nails in the U.S. and throughout the world. We offer innovative products and services, fair pricing, and quality that our end-users and channel customers can continue to rely on to meet their needs."

ITW (Paslode and Paslode Shanghai) was chosen as a mandatory respondent in the case in September 2007, meaning that its US and Shanghai facilities were subjected to on-site inspection and audit by the Agency. In the final determination, DOC calculated a zero percent duty rate on all Paslode fasteners manufactured in China.

The products covered in this finding include brite (framing nails) and galvanized bulk nails, paper collated nails, plastic collated nails, and coil nails (excluding roofing nails). Finish nails and staples were excluded from the investigation.

"Paslode continues to plan ahead for the benefit of US customers and the US market. In this regard, we are uniquely positioned to continue to provide our customers with high quality and innovative fasteners, excellent fill rates, and on-time deliveries despite possible market uncertainty and price volatility," said Guenther Kram, Nail Business Unit Manager of Paslode.

Paslode continues to be a leading domestic manufacturer of premium collated fasteners with four plants in the United States. Paslode's US capacity is complemented by a large and global ITW manufacturing base, with fastener plants in Australia, Denmark, Canada, Malaysia, Korea, and Shanghai.

Paslode, a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc., is a leading manufacturer of cordless and pneumatic nailers, staplers, and fasteners. The company's products are widely used by professional contractors and carpenters for framing, sheathing, trim and finish applications, fencing, floor and roof decking, siding, and insulation.