Historical Timeline

1990–1999
The Big Leagues

A key characteristic of this decade is change: relationships within governments, between countries and among businesses; recession and unrest; the reunification of Germany; and the opening of vast Chinese markets.

In 1995, 3M announced it would launch its printing and publishing, data storage and imaging systems businesses as an independent, publicly owned company. At the same time, 3M began realigning into market-centered groups to focus on building customer loyalty by providing superior quality, value and service.

With operations in more than 60 countries, 3M is a major player in the global economy. International operations account for more than half of 3M's business and remain among its greatest opportunities for growth. Work continues on several corporate initiatives including reducing waste and pollution, improving productivity, reducing costs, and developing products more quickly and efficiently. 

Microreplication technology made microscopic changes to the surface of materials — which changed how these materials worked. Borne out of overhead projectors, microreplication-based products are used in highly reflective highway signs, laptop computer screens and even 3M's first product — abrasives. A team of 3M scientists developed a new water-based version of Scotchgard™ Fabric Protector that contains no solvents. The team's leader? The son of one of the original Scotchgard fabric protector inventors — and a member of 3M's new generation of innovators.