3M 2011 Annual Report Download - page 11

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enterprises. Attenti Holdings S.A. is a supplier of remote people-monitoring technologies used for offender-monitoring
applications and to assist eldercare facilities in monitoring and enhancing the safety of patients.
This segment’s products include personal protection products, such as certain maintenance-free and reusable
respirators, personal protective equipment, head and face protection, body protection, hearing protection and
protective eyewear. In addition, this segment provides electronic surveillance products, films that protect against
counterfeiting, and reflective materials that are widely used on apparel, footwear and accessories, enhancing visibility
in low-light situations. 3M’s Track and Trace Solutions business utilizes radio frequency identification (RFID)
technology to provide a growing array of solutions. Other products include spill-control sorbents; 3M™ Thinsulate™
Insulation and 3M™ Thinsulate™ Lite Loft™ Insulation; nonwoven abrasive materials for floor maintenance and
commercial cleaning; floor matting; natural and color-coated mineral granules for asphalt shingles; and corrosion
protection products.
Display and Graphics Business: The Display and Graphics segment serves markets that include electronic display,
traffic safety and commercial graphics. This segment includes optical film solutions for LCD electronic displays;
computer screen filters; reflective sheeting for transportation safety; commercial graphics sheeting and systems;
architectural surface and lighting solutions; and mobile interactive solutions, including mobile display technology,
visual systems products, and computer privacy filters.
The optical film business provides films that serve numerous market segments of the electronic display industry. 3M
provides distinct products for five market segments, including products for: 1) LCD computer monitors, 2) LCD
televisions, 3) hand-held devices such as cellular phones and tablets, 4) notebook PCs and 5) automotive displays.
In traffic safety systems, 3M provides reflective sheetings used on highway signs, vehicle license plates, construction
work-zone devices, trucks and other vehicles, and also provides pavement marking systems. Major commercial
graphics products include films, inks, digital signage systems and related products used to produce graphics for
vehicles, signs and interior surfaces. The mobile interactive solutions business focuses on bringing technology to the
projection market, including mobile display technology in addition to its visual communication products that serve the
world’s office and education markets with overhead projectors and transparency films, as well as equipment and
materials for electronic and multimedia presentations. In addition, this business includes desktop and notebook
computer screen filters that address needs for light control, privacy viewing and glare reduction.
Electro and Communications Business: The Electro and Communications segment serves the electrical, electronics
and communications industries, including electrical utilities; electrical construction, maintenance and repair; original
equipment manufacturer (OEM) electrical and electronics; computers and peripherals; consumer electronics;
telecommunications central office, outside plant and enterprise; as well as aerospace, military, automotive and
medical markets; with products that enable the efficient transmission of electrical power and speed the delivery of
information. Products include electronic and interconnect solutions, microinterconnect systems, high-performance
fluids, high-temperature and display tapes, telecommunications products, electrical products, and touch screens and
touch monitors.
Major electronic and electrical products include packaging and interconnection devices; high-performance fluids used
in the manufacture of computer chips, and for cooling electronics and lubricating computer hard disk drives; high-
temperature and display tapes; insulating materials, including pressure-sensitive tapes and resins; and related items.
3M™ Flexible Circuits use electronic packaging and interconnection technology, providing more connections in less
space, and are used in ink-jet printer cartridges, cell phones and electronic devices. This segment serves the world’s
telecommunications companies with a wide array of products for fiber-optic and copper-based telecommunications
systems for rapid deployment in fixed and wireless networks. The 3M™ Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced
(ACCR) electrical power cable, with an aluminum-based metal matrix at its core, increases transmission capacity for
existing power lines. The touch systems business includes touch screens and touch monitors.
Distribution
3M products are sold through numerous distribution channels, including directly to users and through numerous
wholesalers, retailers, jobbers, distributors and dealers in a wide variety of trades in many countries around the
world. Management believes the confidence of wholesalers, retailers, jobbers, distributors and dealers in 3M and its
products — a confidence developed through long association with skilled marketing and sales representatives — has
contributed significantly to 3M’s position in the marketplace and to its growth.