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Company Information

Historical Timeline


This section contains highlights, technological breakthroughs and company achievements from over 100 years of 3M history.

Click each decade to learn more:

|  1900  |  1910  |  1920  |  1930  |  1940  |  1950  |  1960  |  
|   1970  |  1980  |  1990  |  2000  |  
1950 Logo

1950-1959
Products for the Modern Era

In 1951, the 3M™ Thermo-Fax™ Copier was introduced and 3M’s Technical Forum was established. 1952 saw the debut of 3M™ Scotchlok™ Electrical Connectors and 3M™ Scotchkote™ Insulation. In 1954, RCA used Scotch® Magnetic Tape to record TV programs for the first time, and the U.S. Post Office fleet vehicles began carrying 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material decals. Central Research Laboratory moved into the first research facility at 3M Center, the new corporate headquarters, in 1955. 3M introduced Scotchgard™ Fabric and Upholstery Protector to the textile industry in 1956. Scotch-Brite™ Cleaning Pads were marketed for industrial use in 1958.

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