3M India is a 75% subsidiary of 3M Company, USA. The parent is a diversified technology and science company and is known for many innovative products across business segments and geographies.

The US conglomerate currently operates five segments:
Industrial (34.3% of sales);
Safety & Graphics (18.8%);
Health Care (18.4%);
Electronics and Energy (16.0%);
Consumer (14.9%).

The 3M technology solutions expertise has been tried and tested for performance, safety, value & productivity in markets that include Aerospace, Railways, Highways, Defence, Security, Mining, Health, Oil & Gas, Telecom and Marine in India and across the globe.

They are having their manufacturing facilities at Bangalore, Ahmadabad, Pune and Pondicherry.

Products are used in a wide range of businesses. These are -
Abrasives, automotive, casting and splinting, filtration, food service and hospitality, hand hygiene, marine maintenance and repair, medical device and optical components, orthodontic, painting equipment and supplies, patient monitoring, safety products, securement and immobilization-dressing, skin and wound Care, sterilization monitoring, surgical solutions, tapes and adhesives, vascular access and wire and cable.

The Industrial segment serves a broad range of markets such as automotive original equipment manufacturer and automotive aftermarket (auto body shops and retail), electronics, appliance, paper and printing, packaging, food and beverage, and construction.

Major industrial products include vinyl, polyester, foil and specialty industrial tapes and adhesives; Scotch masking tape, filament tape and packaging tape; packaging equipment; VHB bonding tapes; conductive, low surface energy, sealants, hot melt, spray and structural adhesives; reclosable fasteners; label materials for durable goods; and coated, nonwoven and micro-structured surface finishing and grinding abrasives. Other industrial products comprise fluoro-elastomers for seals, tubes and gaskets in engines.

Safety products include maintenance-free and reusable respirators, personal protective equipment, head and face protection, body protection, hearing protection and protective eyewear. For traffic safety and security, reflective sheeting is used on highway signs, vehicle license plates, construction work-zone devices, pavement marking systems, electronic surveillance products and films that protect against counterfeiting and reflective materials that are widely used on apparel, footwear and accessories, enhancing visibility in low-light situations.

Graphics products include films, inks, digital signage systems and related products used to produce graphics for vehicles, signs and interior surfaces. Other products consist of spill-control sorbents; nonwoven abrasive materials for floor maintenance and commercial cleaning; floor matting and housekeeping chemicals.

The Energy segment constitutes of Solar and wind energy initiatives that are supported through product solutions such as films, tapes, coatings, encapsulants and adhesives that help reduce the cost of energy generation. Energy conservation and management needs of customers are catered to by providing affordable window film technology that ensures effective health and environment protection.

Consumer products include Scotch brand products such as Magic tape and glue stick; Post-it products such as flags, note pads and dispensers; home-care products including Scotch-Brite scour pads, scrub sponges and microfiber cloth products; and pharmacy products such as Nexcare adhesive bandages and branded first aid product lines.

3M’s globally competitive cost positions and well crated business strategies have enabled it to retain its leading market positions. Company strongly believes in the 3M brand equity and its ability to provide its customers with innovative solutions. The Company is operating in a highly competitive market which may exert pressure both on the top line as well as the bottom line of the Company. As the Company’s products involve expertise in product development, manufacturing and marketing, are subject to competition from products manufactured and sold by other technologically oriented companies both within India and outside India.

The expected pick-up in the Indian economy, lower commodity prices and stable currency will contribute to continued good growth.

Risks & Concerns
1.Impact of increase in duties on the products of the Company & consequent increase in the cost of goods sold.
2.Prices of inputs are expected to rise significantly. Whilst the Company continues to pursue cost reduction initiatives, increase in price of input materials and rupee depreciation could impact the Company’s profitability
3.Fluctuations in exchange rates with reference to currencies in which the Company transacts.