Historical Timeline

2000-present
Technology for the future

Of all our approaches to growth, the greatest of these is organic growth through innovation – 3M's primary and defining strategy. There is no question that 3M's technological and scientific capability is not only world class, but world leading. 3M's pre-eminence in such technologies as adhesives, materials science, light management, microreplication and nonwoven materials is well documented and well known. Less well known is 3M's magnificent process capability – the ability to not only develop unique products, but also to manufacture them efficiently and consistently around the world. These two elements – 3M's technology portfolio and process capability – are at the core of 3M's unique business model and will shape our growth for the foreseeable future.