3M unveils $150M research and development lab in Maplewood
3M cut the ribbon Friday on a new $150 million research and development lab at its headquarters campus in Maplewood, Minn.
Company officials say the lab will bring together scientists and researchers to come up with new products.
3M CEO Inge Thulin said it's significant that the company chose to expand in Minnesota.
"This is an important investment for us. And 3M is a global company, but we were born and raised in Minnesota. And we are proud of that background. And we are investing here for the future as much as we invest around the world relative to our capabilities," Thulin said.
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The lab took three years to build, and 3M received nearly $10 million in local tax increment financing and a state sales tax break to help with construction.
The 400,000 square foot building will house up to 700 scientists across several divisions who up until now have worked at several different locations.
At a ceremony Friday, senior vice president for research and development Ashish Khandpur said the building is a real-life example of the way 3M works.
"That is the essence of 3M. We are about applying our our science and technology to solve the problems of our customers," he said. "And using our strength in collaboration and innovation to bring new products to life."