3M is sticking to its glues

In mid-2006, Interchemall joined 3M, significantly widening 3M's product portfolio.

3M Poland recorded zł.368.4 million in sales in 2006 - a 26.7-percent increase compared to 2005. The value of 3M's exports also increased in 2006 - by 35.3 percent year-on-year - and reached zł.1.9 million. In 2005, 3M's exports were worth zł.1.4 million.

In addition to the Interchemall investment, the company has also plowed $50 million (zł.193.66) into a new factory in Wrocław producing Vikuiti optical film.

"Production of optical film for LCD TVs will begin at the Wrocław factory at the end of March 2007," said Piotr Freyberg, investment director at 3M Poland.

According to 3M's representatives, the company not only wants to invest in production, but also in a highly educated work force.

Last year, 3M Poland's most successful market sector was stationery and consumer goods, in which it achieved a 52.2-percent growth in sales. The company will continue to focus on this area.

"Our main focus will be production of industrial glues and tapes, optic folio and the 3M Viscoplast [bandage] brand," said Jose del Solar, director general of 3M Poland.