HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 03-11 3M unveils $150M research and development lab in Maplewood MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO 3/14/2016 3M unveils$150M research and development lab in Maplewood I Minnesota Public Radio News
3M unveils $ 150M research and development lab
in Maplewood
II [::1I I ews Staff ® Mar 11 , 2016 I usiiireess
3M cut the ribbon Friday on a new $150 million research and development lab at its
headquarters campus in Maplewood, Minn.
Company officials say the lab will bring together scientists and researchers to come up
with new products.
3M CEO Inge Thulin said it's significant that the company chose to expand in Minnesota.
"This is an important investment for us. And 3M
is a global company, but we were born and raised in Minnesota. And we are proud of that
background. And we are investing here for the future as much as we invest around the
world relative to our capabilities," Thulin said.
The lab took three years to build, and 3M received nearly $10 million in local tax
increment financing and a state sales tax break to help with construction.
The 400,000 square foot building will house up to 700 scientists across several divisions
who up until now have worked at several different locations.
At a ceremony Friday, senior vice president for research and development Ashish
Khandpur said the building is a real-life example of the way 3M works.
"That is the essence of 3M. We are about applying our our science and technology to solve
the problems of our customers," he said. "And using our strength in collaboration and
innovation to bring new products to life."
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