where did 3m start

3M started in Two Harbors, Minnesota in 1902 as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. It later moved to Duluth and then St. Paul as the business shifted from mining to making sandpaper and other products.

Quick background

The company’s first idea was to mine a mineral for abrasives, but that effort didn’t go as planned. Instead of shutting down, the founders pivoted into manufacturing, which became the basis of 3M’s long-term growth.

Early timeline

• 1902: Founded in Two Harbors, Minnesota.

• 1905: Moved to Duluth to make sandpaper products.

• 1910: Expanded further in St. Paul, Minnesota.

In short, 3M began as a small Minnesota mining venture and grew into a major manufacturing company from there.

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