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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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1910-1919
The Beginning of a Business Philosophy
 During this era, William L. McKnight, a former bookkeeper, was chosen to become 3M’s new sales manager. Instinct led him to develop the unconventional practice of looking “behind the smokestacks” and going right to the factory floor. He talked with the workers to learn whether or not they were satisfied with the products they were using. To ensure that 3M products were consistently of good quality, McKnight also recommended that its general manager supervise both sales and manufacturing. McKnight’s approach is still at the foundation of 3M’s business philosophy.
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