3M

History

Year	Detail
1902	3M was founded as Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company by by Dr. J. Danley Budd, Henry. S. Bryan, William A. McGonagle, John Dwan and Hermon W. Cable.
1905	3M moved its Headquarters to Duluth, Minnesota, after receving an investment , to manufacture sandpaper with abrasive minerals purchased from another source.
1910	It established the first plant in St. Paul, Minnesota, facilitating faster expansion of the company due to its more central location.
1914	Introduced 3M Three-M-ite Abrasive Cloth, the company's first exclusive product.
1921	3M Patented and introduced Wetordry Waterproof Sandpaper, the water-resistant coated abrasive.
1925	The company invented masking tape, which led to the creation of the Scotch brand tape product line.
1937	It established a Central Research Laboratory to pursue long-term research leading to breakthroughs, such as reflective materials used to improve highway signs and markings.
1939	3M Introduced the iconic "snail" handheld tape dispenser for Scotch Brand.
1947	Introduced 3M Sound Recording Tape, which allows consumers to record and playback music and voice recordings at a later time.
1950	Introduced 3M Thermo-Fax Copier, an office product for making duplicate copies.
1951	The company expanded globally with new companies in countries like Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, and the U.K.
1960	Introduced 3M Micropore Surgical Tape: the first hypoallergenic tape was introduced and was a key to the success of 3 M's healthcare business.
1980	3M Introduced Post-it Notes.
1990	Introduced 3M Privacy Computer Filters, which help to protect information displayed on monitors.
1994	Introduced Nexcare Active Strips Flexible Foam Bandages, providing extra sticking power to perspiring skin and water-resistant adhesive.
2002	The company name has changed. “3M Company” becomes the legal name for 3M, which was originally incorporated as Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company.
2008	3M scientists developed an ultra-compact LED-illuminated projection engine for integration into personal electronic devices, including the 3M Micro Professional Mpro 110 projector.
2009	3M’s healthcare business introduced the 3M Littmann Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200, a next-generation auscultation device featuring Bluetooth wireless technology that transfers heart, lung and other body sounds to software for further analysis.
2012	Renewable Energy Division and Gossamer Space Frames unveiled the world’s largest aperture trough using 3M Solar Mirror Film 1100 for concentrated solar power.
2014	3M received the company's 100,000th patent, reaching an innovation milestone.
2016	The company opened a state-of-the-art research and development laboratory at the global headquarters in Maplewood, Minnesota.
2023	Established the 3M Skills Development Center, a modern training facility in St. Paul, Minnesota.