3M Creating the Future of Graphics Solutions. Together

'Creating the Future of Graphics Solutions. Together' are the words 3M used when launching the state-of-the-art expansion to the existing graphic film operations at the Hilden facility in Germany. This expansion will significantly increase manufacturing capacity for 3M Graphics Films production. 

The $133M investment will see the introduction of two new production lines capable of producing an additional five million square meters of film per year and illustrates 3M's commitment to invest in capacity to meet customer demand.

The facility's location accommodates the rapidly growing 3M Commercial Solutions products market. In addition, this investment increases capacity and enables the market to be serviced quickly and efficiently. 

The site, an Industry 4.0 plant, demonstrates the cutting edge of graphic film manufacturing. Engaging Six Sigma Black Belts to implement LEAN initiatives has allowed the plant to reach optimum efficiencies and deliver on its productivity targets, including state-of-the-art automation and a focus on clean energy.

3M says the new Hilden Production facility embodies the core values, strengths and capabilities that they represent:

• An unwavering and tangible commitment to sustainability – with leading-edge energy management systems 
• The highest quality standards – with web inspection, defect identification and automatic converting connections 
• Uncompromised performance – driven by the increased productivity rates and latest coating technologies 
• World class capacity – to serve the globe from the center of Europe.

"This investment in Hilden further demonstrates our commitment to leadership in the Commercial Solutions world," said Silvia Perez, President, 3M Commercial Solutions Division. "We are proud that this high-investment, next-generation site with global reach has been established in Europe, and we are excited that this is just the first step of a longer-term investment plan."

"This new facility reaffirms 3M's commitment to the graphics business and will support our growth needs in Australia as well. "We remain committed to providing world class sustainable products for our customers and improving service levels and quality that is expected of us as a market leader," said Amit Laroya, Senior Vice President, Transportation and Electronics Business Group, Asia. 

On October 14, 2021, the grand opening was attended by key stakeholders from the 3M Commercial Solutions Division, the pioneers behind the development of the new facility, and key dignitaries from the German Government. 

Virtual events followed the opening in other areas. The event for Asia happened on November 9, 2021, where key customers and partners were invited to join and be part of the milestone from 3M Commercial solutions division. "As we focus on increasing our penetration in the Asia region for the Commercial Solutions division, this strategic investment in graphics, which is one of the core portfolios for us, will support our commitment and help us create more value for our customers more efficiently," said Manohar Raghavan, Director, 3M Commercial Solutions Division, Asia.