3M

3M is a global science company founded in 1902, when it began as a small mining venture. It now employs more than 90,000 people and operates in over 70 countries, and it is a Fortune 500 company. The firm applies science collaboratively to develop products and solutions across a range of industries, among them automotive, healthcare, consumer goods, electronics, safety and energy.

Its technical work spans materials science, adhesives, abrasives, ceramics, nanotechnology and multidisciplinary applied science. These capabilities underpin products that have become household and workplace staples, including Post-it Notes, Scotch Tape and Command Strips.

Innovation is central to the company's structure. 3M operates 49 technology platforms and holds over 100,000 patents, with more being filed. Roughly one-third of sales come from products introduced in the past five years, a measure of the pace at which its research is converted into commercial output. Employees collaborate across disciplines to address customer problems, and the company describes its purpose as creating practical impact in everyday life.

Further information is available at https://3m.com/.