Historical Timeline

1960-1969
An Era Ends and Begins

The decade started with the creation of Sumitomo 3M, a joint venture in Japan. 3M then announced a 3-for-1 stock split. By 1961, 3M also had established companies in Austria, Colombia, Denmark, Hong Kong and Norway. International sales increased nearly sevenfold in one decade: from $20 million in 1951 to $136 million 10 years later. Manufacturing plants also were established in 12 countries outside the United States: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Spain and Mexico.

Building 220, the first of 3M Center’s administration buildings, was completed in 1962. The following year, Bert Cross was named 3M’s seventh president, succeeding Herb Buetow. 3M’s first research lab outside the United States was completed in Harlow, England, near London. 1963 also saw the creation of the Carlton Society to honor career technical contributions. In 1964, 3M acquired Ferrania S.p.A., an Italian manufacturer of photographic products for professional, industrial and consumer markets.

In 1966, one year after 3M sales exceeded $1 billion and 60 years after joining the company, William L. McKnight stepped down as board chair and became honorary chairman. Bert Cross was named board chairman and CEO.