With powerful brands, innovative products and a global presence, we make life easier and more productive for consumers and office workers around the world. Our brands – including Scotch®, Post-it®, Scotch-Brite®, Scotchgard™, O-Cel-O™, Filtrete®, Command™ and Nexcare™ – are synonymous with quality and value.  3M was founded in 1902 at the Lake Superior town of Two Harbors, Minn. Five businessmen set out to mine a mineral deposit for grinding-wheel abrasives. But the deposits proved to be of little value, and the new Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co. quickly moved to nearby Duluth to focus on sandpaper products.
Years of struggle ensued until the company could master quality production and a supply chain. New investors were attracted to 3M, such as Lucius Ordway, who moved the company to St. Paul in 1910. Early technical and marketing innovations began to produce successes and, in 1916, the company paid its first dividend of 6 cents a share.
The world's first waterproof sandpaper, which reduced airborne dusts during automobile manufacturing, was developed in the early 1920s.
A second major milestone occurred in 1925 when Richard G. Drew, a young lab assistant, invented masking tape – an innovative step toward diversification and the first of many Scotch® Pressure-Sensitive Tapes.
In the following years, technical progress resulted in Scotch® Cellophane Tape for box sealing and soon hundreds of practical uses were discovered.
In the early 1940s, 3M was diverted into defense materials for World War II, which was followed by new ventures, such as Scotchlite™ Reflective Sheeting for highway markings, magnetic sound recording tape, filament adhesive tape and the start of 3M's involvement in the graphic arts field with offset printing plates.
In the 1950s, 3M introduced the Thermo-Fax™ copying process, Scotchgard™ Fabric Protector, videotape, Scotch-Brite™ Cleaning Pads and several new electro-mechanical products.
Dry-silver microfilm was introduced in the 1960s, along with photographic products, carbonless papers, overhead projection systems, and a rapidly growing health care business of medical and dental products.
Markets further expanded in the 1970s and 1980s into pharmaceuticals, radiology and energy control.
In 1980, 3M introduced Post-it® Notes, which created a whole new category in the marketplace and changed people’s communication and organization behavior forever.
In the 1990s, sales reached the $15 billion mark. 3M continued to develop an array of innovative products, including immune response modifier pharmaceuticals; brightness enhancement films for electronic displays; and flexible circuits used in inkjet printers, cell phones and other electronic devices.
In 2004, sales topped $20 billion for the first time, with innovative new products contributing significantly to growth. Recent innovations include Post-it® Super Sticky Notes, Scotch® Transparent Duct Tape, optical films for LCD televisions and a new family of Scotch-Brite® Cleaning Products that give consumers the right scrubbing power for a host of cleaning jobs.
Sustainability
3M is committed to actively contributing to sustainable development through environmental protection, social responsibility and economic progress.
Diversity
3M values diversity in the workforce and in the global markets and communities we serve.
Community Giving
We invest in communities where we live and work.
We’re a world leader in films that brighten the displays on electronic products, such as flat-panel computer monitors, cellular phones, PDAs, and LCD televisions.
Computer Privacy Filters
3M Computer Privacy Filters help protect confidential on-screen data. Great in high traffic areas such as airplanes and Wi-Fi locations. Sizes available to fit most notebook and desktop LCD screens.
Display Films (Vikuiti™)
Vikuiti™ films offer solutions for portability, readability, and unique lighting conditions.
Large Format Graphics (Scotchprint™)
A total graphics solution that provides high impact & message consistency while delivering product reliability and durability.
Precision Optics
3M Precision Optics is a vertically integrated optics manufacturer specializing in leading edge optical design, molded components, and assemblies.
Touch Screen Systems
3M Touch Systems offers a comprehensive portfolio of touch screen and touch monitor products.
Traffic Safety Systems
3M's full line of products for traffic control and guidance are extensively researched and tested for high performance, durability, and quality.
Wall Displays & Projectors
Wherever you find
- Health Care Benefits - We provide high quality health care benefit plan choices to meet your family's needs. Our comprehensive health care benefits include: Health Care, Dental Care, Vision Care, Reimbursement accounts, and more.
- Savings and Retirement Benefits - We provide a wide range of programs and services to help employees prepare for retirement, including: A pension plan, 401(k) plan with company match, and online tools to help with planning and organization.
- Personal & Family Programs & Services - 3M provides a variety of resources for employees, which vary by location. A sample of these resources includes: clubs, fitness centers, gift shops, cafeterias, park recreational areas, and more.
- Learning - 3M provides learning opportunities for employees to increase their knowledge, skills and performance. Some of these opportunities include Leadership Development; knowledge-sharing forums, such as Leaders Teaching Leaders and employee special-interest groups; and function-based formal education and training activities.
- Stock Ownership - Employees are eligible to purchase 3M stock at a discounted price through our General Employee Stock Purchase Plan (GESPP). Based on your job level, you may also be eligible to participate in the Management Stock Ownership Program.
3M Center
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
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