Historical Timeline
This section contains highlights, technological breakthroughs and company achievements from over 100 years of 3M history.
Click each decade to learn more:
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1920–1929
Branching Out
During the turbulent '20s, jazz ruled, the League of Nations was established, Ford introduced the 40-hour workweek and Gandhi rose as a political force in India.
 In 1921, 3M bought the rights to 3M™ Wetordry™ Waterproof Sandpaper from Philadelphian Francis Okie. This product could be used with water or oil to reduce dust and decrease the friction that marred auto finishes. It revolutionized the sandpaper industry.
 While testing abrasive samples at a body shop, Richard Drew, a 3M lab assistant, noted that painters were having trouble masking car parts. He got an idea that led to the invention of masking tape. The tape was a hit and the Scotch® brand Tape product line was born; so was 3M's growing emphasis on product diversity.
In 1929, 3M formed a holding company in Europe with eight other abrasives manufacturers. The Durex Corp., an American holding company, was 3M's first international business and expanded its opportunities for growth. With sales four times higher than at the beginning of the decade, 3M headed into a challenging new era.
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