From Humble Beginnings to a Global Powerhouse: The History of 3M

Here, at 3M, our history inspires our future. Over a century ago, we began as a small-scale mining venture in Northern Minnesota, then named the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. Today, we're a global leader, developing innovative products that improve lives around the world.

A Spirit of Innovation Born from Challenge

Our success wasn't guaranteed from the start. Our founders faced an initial setback when they discovered their initial mining target wasn't what they expected. But this early hurdle sparked something crucial: a spirit of innovation and collaboration that continues to define 3M today. Instead of giving up, we explored new materials, diversified our products, and built trust with key investors. This perseverance fueled steady growth.

A Legacy of Scientific Breakthroughs

Over the years, our commitment to scientific, technical, and marketing innovation has led to a long string of successes. These breakthroughs have consistently landed 3M on the Fortune 500 list. Today, you'll find over 60,000 3M products in homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and countless other industries. Notably, one-third of our sales come from products invented within the past five years, a testament to the tireless work of our global network of researchers and scientists.

A Global Commitment to Progress

With operations in 70 countries and reaching customers in 200, 3M remains dedicated to developing technologies and products that empower businesses, enhance homes, and improve lives everywhere.