3M 2010 Annual Report Download - page 11

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and Filtrete™ Filters for furnaces and air conditioners; 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; protective material products; certain maintenance-free respirators; certain consumer retail
personal safety products, including safety glasses and hearing protectors; and Nexcare™ Adhesive Bandages. In
July 2009, 3M acquired ACE® branded (and related brands) elastic bandage, supports and thermometer product
lines.
Safety, Security and Protection Services Business: The Safety, Security and Protection Services segment serves a
broad range of markets that increase the safety, security and productivity of workers, facilities and systems. Major
product offerings include personal protection products, safety and security products (including border and civil
security solutions), cleaning and protection products for commercial establishments, track and trace solutions, and
roofing granules for asphalt shingles. In the fourth quarter of 2010, 3M acquired Cogent Inc. and Attenti Holdings
S.A. Cogent Inc. is a provider of finger, palm, face and iris biometric 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. In April 2008, 3M acquired Aearo Holding Corp., the parent company of Aearo Technologies Inc. (hereafter
referred to as Aearo). Aearo manufactures and sells personal protection and energy absorbing products, which
expanded 3M’s platform by adding hearing protection as well as eyewear and fall protection product lines to 3M’s
existing line of respiratory products. The consumer retail portion of Aearo’s business is included in 3M’s Consumer
and Office business segment. The thermal acoustic systems portion of Aearo’s business is included in 3M’s Industrial
and Transportation business segment.
This segment’s products include certain maintenance-free and reusable respirators, personal protective equipment,
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 — from
library patron self-checkout systems to tracking packages. 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; and natural and color-coated mineral granules for asphalt
shingles. In the second quarter of 2008, 3M completed the sale of its HighJump Software business which provided
supply chain execution software solutions.
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 print 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.