W. L. Gore & Associates Recognized as One of World's Most Innovative Companies

Company Earns a Spot on Fast Company's 2009 "Fast 50" List

NEWARK, Del., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., maker of GORE-TEX(R) fabric and thousands of other market-leading products, has earned a spot on Fast Company magazine's 2009 "Fast 50" list of the world's most innovative companies. Gore is ranked No. 30. The complete list is available at fastcompany.com and in the magazine's March issue, now on newsstands.

Known for a wide range of products, including everything from implantable medical devices to guitar strings, Gore is a leading manufacturer of thousands of advanced technology products for the electronics, fabrics, industrial and medical markets. The company is headquartered in Newark, Del., posts annual sales of nearly $2.5 billion, and employs more than 8,500 associates in nearly 50 facilities throughout the world.

"At Gore, we apply leading edge materials technology to create innovative solutions for highly challenging applications. From our waterproof and breathable fabrics to our life saving medical devices, we make products that truly impact people's lives," says Gore's global technology leader, Jack Kramer. "For more than 50 years, our products have performed in demanding environments, where failure is not an option. Innovation is core to our success, and it's an honor to earn recognition as one of the world's most innovative companies."

In its "Fast 50" list, Fast Company magazine highlights three of Gore's recent innovations-GORE(TM) OPTIFADE(TM) Concealment, a cutting-edge camouflage pattern engineered with a deer's vision system in mind; GORE(TM) inLIGHTEN(TM) Window Screens, a unique window screen made with an ultra fine material that makes it appear virtually invisible; and a yet-to-be-named technology that adds fire resistance to such materials as nylon and polyester while maintaining the performance and comfort of Gore's traditional outerwear.

According to fastcompany.com, the magazine "searches for examples of success and strength--of character as well as finances," when creating its "Fast 50" rankings. This year's list includes companies from around the world that have continued to produce innovative products and achieve success, despite tough economic times.