ST. PAUL, Minn. & WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--3M opened a new Innovation Center in Washington, D.C. at its offices near the Capitol to showcase how 3M science is solving some of today's biggest challenges. The Center highlights solutions for specific customer needs and enables more convenient collaboration with key decision makers in D.C. and across the East Coast.
At a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and reception attended by government officials, diplomats and customers, 3M Chairman, President and CEO Inge Thulin addressed how 3M science and technology improves every life.
"The opening of our Innovation Center in Washington, D.C. reflects our Vision to improve every life through innovation," said Thulin. "Everyone who has an opportunity to experience this Center can see the power of 3M science and how we apply science to life."
The new Center brings 3M's technologies and solutions to policy discussions, introducing lawmakers, regulators, diplomats and other stakeholders to the unique capabilities and technology platforms of 3M.
Among the attendees at the opening were Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Paul Ryan, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, U.S. Senator Todd Young and Deputy Assistant to the President for Science and Technology Policy Michael Kratsios.
"The approach to this center builds on our solid foundation of creating memorable R&D experience centers to showcase our solutions and initiate or advance our dialogue with customers," said Rory Yanchek, vice president, 3M Government Markets. "In D.C., we foster collaboration and co-creation with customers in a shared goal to deliver value while improving the lives of people around the world."
Design is prominent in the new Innovation Center. Of special note, is the lobby feature wall, "Ideas that Blossom," made of 3M materials. It is a visual representation of how ideas are seeded in 3M, and how they blossom to create unexpected connections-unique, customer-inspired solutions across our many markets. Inspired by D.C. geography - the Potomac and Anacostia rivers and the iconic cherry blossom - it connects the culture of 3M in a localized way for Washington, D.C. and serves as an illustration of how our solutions-based approach can be applied to Washington policy matters.
"Our culture is driven by curiosity and one that prides itself as being collaborative. The feature wall symbolizes how internal and external collaboration lead to solutions that can be applicable in multiple areas and can be amplified," said Eric Quint, vice president and chief design officer, 3M.
More information about the 3M's Innovation Center, Washington, D.C., including its components, functionality, and capabilities can be found online at www.3m.com/InnovationCenterDC.
With global headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, and operations in more than 70 countries around the world, 3M delivers big benefits to the entire U.S. economy, directly employing more than 35,000 people in the U.S., and generating $3.5 billion in net exports as part of $32 billion in sales in 2017.
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