A new R&D Lab for 3M India at Bangalore

Innovation at the center of customer needs to be the focus of the new lab.

3M India Limited today announced that it will establish a new R&D facility in Bangalore to develop products for local markets and to better connect technology to customers in India. This announcement was made by Mr. Inge Thulin, Executive Vice-President, 3M International Operations during a 2-day visit to 3M’s office in India.

“Building this new innovation lab is part of our growth strategy for India,” said Inge Thulin, executive vice president, 3M International Operations. “Our intention is to accelerate development of products ‘in India for India’ through a local, cutting-edge R&D capability and to provide growth and developmental opportunities for local talent.

Dr. Jay Ihlenfeld, Senior Vice-President, 3M Asia Pacific said “The new R&D Center will also draw from the expertise, learning and knowledge base of 3M’s global R&D network and will leverage its multiple technology platforms to create winning solutions.  In addition, we believe that this facility will be a critical hub to contribute product platforms for our global markets.”

“This investment is a clear statement of 3M’s commitment to India and our desire to grow and increase our footprint in this country” said Ajay Nanavati, Managing Director, 3M India Limited.   “Our intention is to offer world class innovative products and solutions that are relevant to the local market and to customer needs and a facility like this will help us achieve this.  Our focus will be to invest in the right talent to recognize and meet market needs - local innovations from local talent” said Mr. Nanavati

Globally, 3M has 35 labs across the world.  In keeping with its focus on innovation, 3M invests approximately 6% of its sales on R&D.  Dr. Ashish Khandpur, Sr. Executive Director, Technical, for 3M India, says, “India presents a significant business opportunity. Leveraging our innovation legacy, we at 3M are making a significant long-term commitment through this local R&D capacity, which will be dedicated to India market needs. We aim to cultivate local talent and to develop innovative solutions to better meet the needs of our local markets.”

The new facility in India is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2010.

About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 45 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $25 billion in sales, 3M employs 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries.

3M India Limited is the Indian arm of 3M Corporation and has been in the country  for  the  last  21  years,  having been established in 1988. The Company markets about 5000 products in India including household brands like Scotch-Brite® and Post-it®. The Company has leading positions in health care; industrial markets; display and graphics; consumer and office; safety, security and protection services; electronics and communications; and transportation.  3M India’s manufacturing facilities are at Bangalore, Pune & Ahmedabad.