3M 2012 Annual Report Download - page 11
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systems for governments, law enforcement agencies, and commercial 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 infrastructure 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; 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 screen films.
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 sheeting 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.