Historical Timeline

1930–1939
Creativity and Diversification

This was a decade of contrasts. From the Great Depression to FDR and the New Deal, the Chicago World's Fair and the Berlin Olympics. The end of the decade would see the beginnings of global upheaval.

Thanks to sound fiscal policies, 3M was a Depression-era phenomenon. The company expanded sales, employment and facilities — and paid dividends every year. Even before Social Security was enacted in the United States, 3M created benefit programs that gave workers a sense of well-being.

Richard Drew saw another customer need. Cellophane was popular, but there was no attractive way to seal the clear material. He coated samples of cellophane with 3M adhesive. Scotch® Cellophane Tape was born, and soon hundreds of practical uses were discovered.

In 1937, Richard P. Carlton, vice president, established a Central Research Laboratory to pursue research in technologies with long-term potential. This led to 3M breakthroughs, such as reflective materials used to improve highway signs and markings.

As the decade ended, 3M had five diverse and flourishing businesses: abrasives, masking tape, cellophane tape, roofing granules and adhesives.