HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 04-25 What's the future hold for 3M? KARE11What's the future hold for 3M?
Julie Nelson, KARE 10:26PM. CDT April 25, 2016
MAPLEWOOD, Minn. — Hundreds of scientists are working in
a brand new research and development lab on the 3M
campus, in Maplewood.
The company opened the 3M Carlton Science Center last
month. The $150 million facility will allow scientists to
collaborate with one another in closer proximity.
3M's CEO, Inge Thulin says the building is an investment in
the company's future. "The heartbeat of 3M is research and
development," says Thulin. "And in our view and my personal view is that in order for you to
have the best precision as you move forward in the world and have a good outcome for your
customers and your shareholders, you should invest in research and development."
Thulin says 33% of all 3M products were not in existence five years ago. "If you take consumer
electronics, the smart phone you're using today operates slightly different than the one you
had five years ago," says Thulin. "So that's a technology conversion that's moving in different
industries the whole time."
3M has expanded all over the world, but it's roots remain here in Minnesota.
"We only stand on the shoulders of those who were here before us," says Thulin. "3M had an
incredible vision when it started and it was based on technology platforms and it was based on
geographical expansion.
Thulin says the company will never lose in the United States because of its strong research
and development teams and its manufacturing capabilities. He says the U.S. and China are
crucial growth areas. "If you don't grow in one of those, you will not be a global growth
company," says Thulin.
Thulin says it's not hard to recruit the brightest scientific minds to Minnesota. "My own view is
Minnesota is a fantastic place," says Thulin. But, the CEO admits the company must do more
to recruit women and minorities to the field. "Women have an incredible power in the future for
us, and we need to make sure that we get them into good positions where they can develop
themselves," says Thulin.
Thulin says the company will never lose in the United
States because of its strong research and development
teams and its manufacturing capabilities. (Credit: Ben
Garvin/KARE 11)
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