3M 2004 Annual Report Download - page 30

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In the medical and surgical area, 3M is a supplier of medical tapes, dressings, wound closure products, orthopedic
casting materials, electrodes and stethoscopes. In infection prevention, 3M markets a variety of surgical drapes,
masks and preps, as well as sterilization assurance equipment. Pharmaceutical products include immune response
modifiers, respiratory products and women’s health products. Other products include drug delivery systems, such as
metered-dose inhalers, transdermal skin patches and related components. Dental and orthodontic products include
restoratives, adhesives, finishing and polishing products, crowns, impression materials, preventive sealants,
professional tooth whiteners, prophylaxis and orthodontic appliances. In early 2001, 3M combined its German dental
business with ESPE Dental AG, a leading German supplier of crowns, bridges and other dental products. In
December 2002, 3M purchased the remaining 43% minority interest of these operations.
In health information systems, 3M develops and markets computer software for hospital coding and data
classification, as well as providing related consulting services. 3M provides microbiology products that make it faster
and easier for food processors to test the microbiological quality of food. Tape closures for disposable diapers, and
reclosable fastening systems and other diaper components help disposable diapers fit better.
Industrial Business: The Industrial segment serves a broad range of industrial markets, from appliance and electronics
to paper and packaging and food and beverage. Products include tapes, a wide variety of coated and non-woven
abrasives, adhesives, specialty materials and supply chain execution software solutions.
Major product lines include vinyl, polyester, foil and specialty industrial tapes and adhesives; Scotch® Masking Tape,
Scotch® Filament Tape and Scotch® Packaging Tape; packaging equipment; 3M™ VHB™ Bonding Tapes;
conductive, low surface energy, hot melt, spray and structural adhesives; reclosable fasteners; label materials for
durable goods; and coated, nonwoven and microstructured surface finishing and grinding abrasives for the industrial
market. Other products include fluoroelastomers for seals, tubes and gaskets in engines; engineering fluids; and
high-performance fluids used in the manufacture of computer chips, and for electronics cooling and lubricating of
computer hard disk drives. In early 2003, 3M acquired 100% of the common shares of Solvay Fluoropolymers, with
manufacturing facilities located in Decatur, Alabama. In early 2004, 3M purchased HighJump Software, Inc., a U.S.
company that provides supply chain execution software and solutions.
Display and Graphics Business: The Display and Graphics segment serves markets that include electronic display,
touch screen, traffic safety and commercial graphics. This segment includes optical film and lens solutions for
electronic displays; touch screens and touch monitors; reflective sheeting for transportation safety; and commercial
graphics systems.
Optical products include display enhancement films for electronic displays, lens systems for projection televisions,
and touch screens and touch monitors. In December 2002, 3M acquired Corning Precision Lens, Inc., a manufacturer
of lens systems for projection televisions. This acquisition is part of the optical systems product line. In traffic safety
systems, 3M provides reflective sheetings used on highway signs, vehicle license plates, construction workzone
devices, trucks and other vehicles, and also provides pavement marking systems. 3M’s Intelligent Transportation
Systems (ITS) include emergency response and transit signal priority systems, traffic monitoring systems, and driver
feedback signs. Major commercial graphic products include equipment, films, inks and related products used to
produce graphics for vehicles and signs. In the fourth quarter of 2004, 3M announced the phase out of its commercial
videotape business.
Consumer and Office Business: The Consumer and Office segment serves markets that include consumer retail, office
retail, education, home improvement, building maintenance and other markets. Products in this segment include office
supply products, stationery products, construction and home improvement/home care products, protective material
products, and visual systems products.
Major consumer and office products include Scotch® brand products like Scotch® Magic™ Tape, Scotch® Glue
Stick and Scotch® Cushioned Mailer; Post-it® Note products, such as Post-it® Flags, Post-it® Memo Pads,
Post-it® Labels, and Post-it® Pop-up Notes and Dispensers; home care products, including Scotch-Brite® Scour
Pads, Scotch-Brite® Scrub Sponges, Scotch-Brite® Microfiber Cloth products, O-Cel-O™ Sponges and
Scotchgard™ Fabric Protectors; home improvement products, including surface-preparation and wood-finishing
materials; Filtrete™ Filters for furnaces and air conditioners; Command™ Adhesive products; and 3M™ Nexcare™
Adhesive Bandages. Visual communication products serve the world’s office and education markets with overhead
projectors and transparency films, plus equipment and materials for electronic and multimedia presentations.