3M Company, originally founded in 1902 as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, is a diversified global technology and manufacturing firm headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. Over its history the company has expanded from mineral mining into a broad portfolio of industrial, safety, healthcare and consumer products, building a reputation for applied science and product innovation across many end markets.
3M's businesses span a wide range of product categories including adhesives and tapes, abrasives, filtration and separation technologies, personal protective equipment such as respirators, medical and dental products, industrial and automotive solutions, and a suite of consumer brands (for example, well-known office and home products). Its operations are commonly organized around segments that serve industrial customers, transportation and electronics manufacturers, healthcare providers, and everyday consumers. The company’s work frequently combines chemical, mechanical and electronic materials expertise to develop specialty solutions for manufacturing, safety, healthcare and consumer applications.
3M operates and sells products globally, supplying manufacturers, institutions and consumers in many international markets. The company is known for sustained investment in research and development and for maintaining an extensive patent portfolio that supports its product pipeline and manufacturing processes. 3M also places emphasis on manufacturing capabilities and distribution networks to support diversified end markets, and it continually adapts product lines and technologies to meet evolving regulatory and customer requirements worldwide.