3M

3M Company
	File:3M logo.svg Logo of 3M Company
Company type	Public
Industry	Conglomerate (industrial products, occupational safety, consumer goods)
Founded	June 13, 1902; 124 years ago in Two Harbors, Minnesota, U.S.
Founder	John Dwan, Edgar Ober, Lucius Ordway, William L. McKnight, A. G. Bush
Headquarters	Maplewood, Minnesota, United States
Area served	Worldwide (over 70 countries)
Key people	William "Bill" Brown (CEO), Michael F. Roman (Executive Chairman)
Products	Adhesives, abrasives, laminates, personal protective equipment, window films, electrical components, automotive care products, electronic circuits, optical films; consumer brands include Scotch Tape, Scotchgard, Post-it notes, Nexcare bandages
Number of employees	95,000 (2021)
Website	www.3m.com

3M Company—initially established as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company—is a prominent American multinational conglomerate with a focus on industrial products, occupational safety, and consumer merchandise. Based in Maplewood, Minnesota, the firm manufactures an extensive portfolio exceeding 60,000 items, encompassing adhesives, abrasive materials, laminates, personal protective gear, window films, electrical components, automotive care products, electronic circuits, and optical films. Well-known consumer labels under its umbrella include Scotch Tape, Scotchgard, Post-it notes, and Nexcare bandages. 3M is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MMM and is part of both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500.

In 2021, the company reported revenues of $35.4 billion and was ranked 102nd on the Fortune 500 list. It maintained a global workforce of about 95,000 employees across more than 70 nations, supported by subsidiaries such as 3M India, 3M Japan, and 3M Canada.

By June 2023, 3M consented to a $10 billion settlement addressing litigation related to water pollution caused by PFAS chemicals. Investigations uncovered that since the 1990s, the company had knowledge of health hazards linked to PFAS but failed to disclose this while continuing product sales containing these substances.

History

The Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company was founded by five entrepreneurs in Two Harbors, Minnesota as a mining enterprise, with its first transaction completed on June 13, 1902. Initial attempts to extract corundum proved unprofitable due to poor mineral deposits. Co-founder John Dwan secured capital through stock issuance, while Edgar Ober and Lucius Ordway assumed leadership in 1905. The firm relocated to Duluth and redirected efforts toward developing and manufacturing sandpaper. Key figures such as William L. McKnight joined in 1907 and A. G. Bush in 1909. By 1916, financial stability was achieved, enabling dividend payments.

In 1910, the headquarters moved to Saint Paul, where it remained for over half a century before shifting to its current location at the 3M Center in Maplewood, Minnesota in 1962.

The production of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), an industrial chemical intermediate, began in 1947. In 1951, DuPont acquired PFOA from 3M for use in manufacturing Teflon—a product that reached billion-dollar sales by the 1990s. The original Scotchgard fabric protector was serendipitously discovered by chemists Patsy Sherman and Samuel Smith in 1952; commercial sales commenced in 1956 with a patent granted in 1973.

During the mid-1960s, 3M expanded into pharmaceuticals by acquiring Riker Laboratories. It later developed the first chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-free asthma inhaler in response to environmental regulations during the mid-1990s. Additionally, after fifteen years of research into topical cream delivery systems, the company introduced Aldara for treating genital warts in 1997. In 2006, through three transactions totaling over $2 billion, 3M divested its pharmaceutical operations—which had accounted for roughly one-fifth of its healthcare segment.

In the 1970s, the company created Nextel Simulated Blood using colorfast microbeads intended for theatrical applications; this product was eventually discontinued. Also in that decade’s latter part, 3M Mincom launched one of the earliest commercial digital audio recording technologies.

The "Press 'n Peel" adhesive bookmarks were introduced in 1977 but achieved limited market traction; however, repurposed as Post-It Notes starting in 1979, they gained broad distribution across the U.S. by 1980 and soon extended into Canadian and European markets.

In 1980, 3M acquired Comtal—a manufacturer specializing in digital image processing equipment. By 1996, it spun off its data storage and imaging divisions into Imation Corporation, relinquishing approximately one-fifth of sales and workforce but retaining about ninety-five percent of profits. This strategic move enhanced investor perception by concentrating on growth sectors while exiting declining markets such as photographic film. Imation subsequently sold its imaging units to Kodak and was acquired by a hedge fund in 2016; it now operates under Glassbridge Enterprises.

21st century

On April 8, 2002, coinciding with its centennial celebration, the corporation officially adopted the name "3M Company." In September 2008, 3M expanded its portfolio by acquiring Meguiar's, a well-established car-care products manufacturer with over a century of history. Two years later, in 2010, the company purchased Cogent Systems for $943 million and also finalized the acquisition of Arizant Inc. By December 2011, 3M had further grown through the acquisition of Winterthur Technology Group, a specialist in bonded abrasives.

In 2011, 3M introduced CloudLibrary to enter the library systems market but divested its North American operations in 2015 to Bibliotheca Group GmbH, which is supported by One Equity Partners Capital Advisors.

By 2012, 3M was listed on the Dow Jones Industrial Average and held the 97th spot on the Fortune 500 list. That same year, it announced plans to acquire Avery Dennison’s Office and Consumer Products Division for $550 million; however, this transaction was withdrawn due to antitrust issues. In May 2013, the company sold Scientific Anglers and Ross Reels businesses to Orvis.

March 2017 saw 3M broaden its safety equipment offerings by purchasing Johnson Controls' Scott Safety division for $2 billion. The firm reported net revenues of $31.657 billion that year, an increase from $30.109 billion in the previous year. In 2018, 3M agreed to an $850 million settlement addressing Minnesota water contamination claims linked to perfluorochemicals.

Michael F. Roman assumed the role of CEO in May 2018. Later that year, 3M acquired M*Modal’s technology segment for $1 billion. By October 2019, it completed a $6.7 billion acquisition of Acelity along with its KCI subsidiaries.

On May 1, 2020, the majority of 3M’s drug delivery operations were sold to Altaris Capital Partners for about $650 million; however, the company retained a 17% ownership interest in Kindeva Drug Delivery.

In December 2021, 3M combined its food-safety division with Neogen in a transaction valued near $5.3 billion, which closed in September 2022. By July 2022, plans were announced to spin off healthcare assets into an independent publicly traded entity named Solventum Corporation, with a gradual retention of a 19.9% stake.

In response to regulatory scrutiny and environmental concerns, December 2022 marked 3M’s decision to halt production of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by 2025—chemicals extensively utilized for their water-resistant and nonstick characteristics but associated with serious health risks.

In March 2024, William "Bill" Brown was appointed CEO effective May 1; outgoing CEO Michael Roman transitioned into the role of executive chairman. Brown brings leadership experience as former chairman and CEO of L3Harris Technologies.

Products and patents

By 2019, 3M offered approximately 60,000 products organized into four main business sectors: safety and industrial; transportation and electronics; health care; and consumer goods. The company secured its inaugural patent in 1924 and continues to obtain nearly 3,000 new patents annually, surpassing a global total of over 100,000 patents by 2014.

Environmental record

Initiated in 1975, the Pollution Prevention Pays (3P) program initially focused on minimizing pollution at manufacturing sites before broadening in 1989 to encompass recycling initiatives and waste reduction across various divisions. By the early 1990s, roughly 2,500 projects under this program had reduced worldwide pollutant output by half while saving between $500 million and $600 million through waste elimination efforts.

The Oakdale Dump site in Minnesota—used by 3M during the mid-20th century—was declared an EPA Superfund location in 1983 after contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals were detected in soil and groundwater.

During the decades spanning the 1990s and early 2000s, toxic pollutant emissions from 3M operations decreased by approximately 99%, while greenhouse gas emissions dropped by around 72%. Since the Energy Star Award was established, the Environmental Protection Agency has consistently honored 3M annually for its commitment to energy efficiency.

Pollution from "Forever Chemicals" in Water

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated investigations into perfluorinated compounds in 1999 after evidence emerged showing the widespread presence and toxicity of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) globally. These chemicals belong to the larger PFAS category and exhibit diverse chemical characteristics. In May 2000, 3M, previously the main U.S. manufacturer of PFOS, announced it would discontinue production of PFOS, perfluorooctanoic acid, and associated products. These chemicals were commonly incorporated into items such as non-stick cookware and fabrics resistant to stains.

From the 1940s until 2002, 3M’s facility in Cottage Grove, Minnesota produced PFAS. Contamination of the Mississippi River and adjacent regions prompted 3M to commit to remediation efforts that included groundwater extraction wells and soil removal. Nevertheless, the plant’s water treatment processes failed to effectively eliminate PFAS, leading to their discharge into nearby water bodies. The estimated cleanup expenses ranged between $50 million and $56 million, financed through a $147 million environmental reserve fund established in 2006.

In 2008, 3M launched a Renewable Energy Division within its Industrial and Transportation Business segment to concentrate on energy production and management.

Minnesota filed a lawsuit against 3M in late 2010 seeking $5 billion in punitive damages related to PFC contamination, which the EPA classifies as toxic. The dispute was resolved in 2018 with a settlement amounting to $850 million. In 2019, during congressional hearings, 3M along with other firms denied liability, asserting that current chemical concentrations posed no health risks.

A 2021 study connected PFOS pollution to 3M’s manufacturing site in Zwijndrecht, Belgium, affecting agricultural goods within a 15-kilometer radius of Antwerp. Cleanup efforts by the Flemish Government have cost €63 million, with 3M contributing €75,000. Authorities have advised against consuming eggs produced at home within five kilometers of the factory.

In 2023, 3M consented to a $10.3 billion settlement with numerous U.S. public water suppliers to resolve thousands of lawsuits concerning PFAS contamination.

Carbon Emissions

For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020, 3M reported total greenhouse gas emissions—encompassing both direct and indirect sources—of 5,280 kilotonnes of CO2 equivalent, marking a 9.4% reduction compared to the previous year. The company has set a goal to cut emissions by half by 2030 relative to its 2019 levels and aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, demonstrating its strategic emphasis on sustainability integrated into its corporate framework.

Annual Total CO2e Emissions for 3M – Location-Based Scope 1 + Scope 2 (kilotonnes)
Dec 2014	Dec 2015	Dec 2016	Dec 2017	Dec 2018	Dec 2019	Dec 2020
6,630	5,630	5,980	5,840	6,650	5,830	5,280

Earplug Litigation

The Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 (CAEv2), originally developed by Aearo Technologies and acquired by 3M in 2008, were issued as standard hearing protection equipment to U.S. military personnel from 2003 through 2015. Marketed for their dual-level attenuation capability, these earplugs became the focal point of a significant legal dispute affecting 3M’s corporate reputation.

In 2016, Moldex-Metric filed a whistleblower suit under the False Claims Act accusing 3M of knowingly supplying defective earplugs to the U.S. government. By 2018, these allegations were settled with a $9.1 million payment from 3M without an admission of wrongdoing.

Since then, over 140,000 former users—predominantly U.S. veterans—have initiated lawsuits against the company alleging hearing impairment and tinnitus resulting from flaws in the earplug design. Internal documents revealed that while production costs were approximately $0.85 per earplug, the government was billed $7.63 each; this price discrepancy was justified by citing research and development expenditures.

In August 2023, nearly 260,000 lawsuits from affected military personnel were resolved when 3M agreed to a $6 billion settlement. This case underscores substantial product liability risks and highlights how regulatory adherence can significantly influence a company’s financial outcomes and market standing.

N95 respirators and the COVID-19 pandemic

The N95 respirator, originally created by 3M and authorized in 1972, gained significant importance during the COVID-19 pandemic because of its effectiveness in filtering viral particles. Despite this, shortages occurred as much of the stock had been distributed prior to the pandemic's onset. The U.S. government urged 3M to suspend exports of domestically produced N95 masks to Canada and Latin America, while President Donald Trump activated the Defense Production Act to ensure federal orders were prioritized. To resolve the conflict, 3M increased imports of respirators, primarily from its factories in China. Following this, 3M secured a CA$70 million agreement with both Canadian federal and Ontario provincial authorities to manufacture N95 masks at its Brockville facility in Ontario.

Operating facilities

3M’s corporate headquarters, main research laboratories, and select divisional labs are situated in St. Paul, Minnesota. By 2017, the company maintained 80 manufacturing plants across 29 U.S. states alongside 125 manufacturing and converting locations in 37 countries worldwide.

In March 2016, 3M invested $150 million to finalize a 400,000 square-foot research and development center on its Maplewood campus, bringing together 700 scientists to foster innovation through collaboration. This initiative was supported by $9.6 million in local tax incentives.

Notable production sites include:

Cynthiana, Kentucky: Since 1969, this facility has produced Post-it Notes (672 SKUs) and Scotch Tape (147 SKUs), employing 539 workers.
Newton Aycliffe, UK: Specializes in respirator manufacturing utilizing laser technology with a workforce of approximately 370.
Hutchinson, Minnesota: Functions as a "super hub," supplying products for more than half of 3M’s divisions; key items include Nexcare bandages and Scotch Tape.
Cottage Grove, Minnesota: One of three plants responsible for producing pad conditioners.
Columbia, Missouri: Operational since 1970; manufactures electronic components, solar films, touchscreen films, and stethoscopes; employs around 400 personnel; underwent a $20 million expansion in 2012.
Brookings, South Dakota: Established in 1971; recognized as the largest healthcare-focused site with over 1,100 employees producing more than 1,700 healthcare products; expanded by $70 million in 2014; ramped up mask production during multiple health emergencies including COVID-19.
Springfield, Missouri: Produces industrial adhesives and tapes serving aerospace clients; employs about 330 people; announced a $40 million expansion project in 2017.
Ames and Knoxville, Iowa: Manufactures sandpaper products and adhesives; both sites have benefited from state economic development incentives for facility growth.
Singapore: Serves as the regional hub for Southeast Asia with an investment exceeding $1 billion over five decades; facilities include the Tuas manufacturing plant (expanded in 2016), Woodlands manufacturing site and Smart Urban Solutions laboratory (expanded in 2011), plus a customer technical center in Yishun; opened new headquarters in 2018.
China: Operating since 1984 as Shanghai’s first Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise; operates seven plants including the first healthcare-dedicated facility (2007); added an eighth plant and technology center in Guangzhou (2007); ninth photovoltaic plant opened in Hefei (2011); technology innovation center established in Chengdu (2015); fifth design center launched in Shanghai (2019).

These worldwide operations demonstrate 3M’s strategic emphasis on diversifying its manufacturing footprint to effectively support its extensive range of products across various sectors.

Leadership

Among the notable individuals who have served as board chairs are William L. McKnight (1949–1966), credited with expanding 3M's revenue from $264,000 in 1914 to $1.15 billion by the time he retired; Bert S. Cross (1966–1970); Harry Heltzer (1970–1975); Raymond H. Herzog (1975–1980); Lewis W. Lehr (1980–1986); Allen F. Jacobson (1986–1991); Livio DeSimone (1991–2001); James McNerney (2001–2005); George W. Buckley (2005–2012); and Inge Thulin (2012–2018). Following his tenure as chair, Thulin continued as executive chairman until Michael F. Roman took over as CEO in 2019.

The company's chief executive officers have included Cross (1966–1970), Heltzer (1970–1975), Herzog (1975–1979), Lehr (1979–1986), Jacobson (1986–1991), DeSimone (1991–2001), McNerney (2001–2005), Robert S. Morrison who served as interim in 2005, Buckley (2005–2012), Thulin (2012–2018), and Roman from 2018 onward.

Presidential leadership has featured figures such as Edgar B. Ober (1905–1929), McKnight (1929–1949), Richard P. Carlton (1949–1953), Herbert P. Buetow (1953–1963), Cross (1963–1966), Heltzer (1966–1970), and Herzog (1970–1975). By the late 1970s, the presidency was divided to oversee U.S. and international divisions separately: Lehr, John Pitblado (1979–1981), and Jacobson (1984–1991) managed domestic affairs, while James A. Thwaits assumed responsibility for international operations beginning in 1979. During the periods 2005–2012 and 2012–2018, Buckley and Thulin respectively held the president role.

Historical records of 3M at the Minnesota Historical Society

3M