3M

More than a century ago, 3M started as a small-scale mining venture in Northern Minnesota, then named Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. Now a global powerhouse, 3M products improve the daily lives of people around the world

When 3M began in 1902, the founders had a simple goal: to mine for corundum, a mineral ideal for making sandpaper and grinding wheels. Turns out, what they thought was corundum was really another low-grade mineral called anorthosite. Discovering the poor-quality mineral could have caused an early end to 3M, but their founders persisted. Instead of calling it quits, they turned to different materials, applied them to other products, gained the trust of important investors, and built up sales little by little.

Scientific, technical and marketing innovations produced success over the years, eventually making 3M a constant name on the Fortune 500 list. Today, more than 60,000 3M products are used in homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and other industries. 

With corporate operations in 70 countries and sales in 200, 3M is committed to creating the technology and products that advance every company, enhance every home and improve every life.