Every great company has a beginning filled with both hope and hardship, and 3M is no exception. Founded in 1902 in the North Shore neighbourhood of Two Harbors, Minnesota, 3M’s story starts in a place where prospectors were drawn to the rich iron ore deposits of the region. The founders of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company today known as 3M had a clear mission: to mine corundum, a mineral critical for making sandpaper and grinding wheels. But their dreams hit a snag when their mine produced only anorthosite, a mineral with little commercial value. Abandoning the original mining plan, the company moved to nearby Duluth and pivoted to manufacturing abrasive products by sourcing the right materials externally.
The company’s fortunes improved after St. Paul investor Lucius Ordway Jr invested heavily and encouraged relocating operations to St. Paul. Under new leadership, including William L. McKnight initially a bookkeeper turned president 3M focused on quality control and rebuilding customer trust. By 1916, with the introduction of its first unique product, the Three-M-ite abrasive cloth, 3M made its first profit and declared its first dividend, signaling the start of a new chapter. This was also the era when management began fostering a culture of scientific exploration and innovation, encouraging employees through initiatives like the “15% rule,” which reserved part of their time for independent creative projects. With programs like these and forums like the Technical Forum established in 1951 to encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration, 3M planted the seeds that would help it invent beloved products such as Scotch Tape, Post-it Notes, and Scotchgard.
Pivoting Through Challenge: Turning Setbacks into Success
3M’s early years were marked by resilience. The failure to find corundum forced the founders to experiment and rethink their business. Determined to survive, they ventured into manufacturing finishing products like sandpaper, building a reputation for quality and innovation. The leadership of pioneers like McKnight and Archibald Bush was crucial; they emphasized customer-first sales strategies and quality control. Their philosophy of trusting skilled employees, allowing risk-taking, and fostering creativity set 3M apart in an era when innovation was often stifled.
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Cultivating a Culture of Innovation
Innovation was no accident at 3M; it was ingrained in the company’s culture. The Central Research Laboratory established in 1937 provided a hub for discovery and invention. The “15% rule,” introduced in the late 1940s, allowed scientists to dedicate time to personal research, giving rise to transformative products such as the Post-it Note. Another example of serendipity leading to innovation was the creation of Scotchgard in the 1950s, which happened almost by accident when screeners noticed a spill that resisted cleaning. The company’s policy to embrace failure and encourage creative freedom produced a steady stream of new applications and inventions across industries.
Key Milestones and Iconic Products
Over the decades, 3M developed a diversified portfolio:
- 1921: Wetordry Waterproof Sandpaper allowed painting and sanding with water, reducing dust and improving quality.
- 1925: Masking tape revolutionized household and industrial painting.
- 1930s-40s: Scotch Transparent Tape and its iconic “snail” dispenser became ubiquitous.
- 1947: Sound recording tapes expanded 3M into consumer electronics.
- 1950s-60s: Medical innovations like Micropore Surgical Tape and advances in highway signage.
- 1980: The Post-it Note launched, becoming one of the world’s most beloved office products.
- 1990s-2000s: Expansion into healthcare, electronics, environmental products, and safety equipment.
Global Growth and Responsibility
Today, 3M operates in over 70 countries and employs roughly 95,000 people, selling more than 60,000 products worldwide. The company has been on the Fortune 500 list for decades and continues to push boundaries in industries as varied as construction, healthcare, consumer products, and electronics.
Despite its success, 3M has faced environmental challenges, including litigation over PFAS “forever chemicals.” The company has committed to reducing its environmental impact, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 and investing heavily in sustainable innovation.
Lessons from 3M
The story of 3M teaches us that setbacks need not become endings. Instead, they can trigger strategic pivots, new opportunities, and a culture where bold ideas are encouraged and nurtured. Leaders like William McKnight who empowered their teams and embraced risk created fertile ground for breakthroughs. Institutionalizing time for creativity, fostering collaboration, and investing in science and sustainability ensured that 3M evolved from a struggling mining venture to a perennial innovator whose products touch billions of lives every day.
Just as 3M built its legacy on innovation and resilience, R K Dewan & Co. (rkdewan.com) has become one of India’s leading names in intellectual property law. Established in 1942, the firm advises start-ups, SMEs, and multinationals on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and designs. Known for its technical depth and practical approach, R K Dewan & Co. helps businesses protect and grow their ideas—whether it’s filing complex patent portfolios, handling IP litigation, or developing brand protection strategies. Their work aligns with the same spirit of innovation seen in companies like 3M: turning creativity into lasting commercial value.