Expansion Management

Using Their Own Inventions 3M Builds New Headquarters Building in the Netherlands

Nov. 6, 2014

The building has been built making use of tens of 3M’s own inventions and innovations, such as the lighting technology, air and water filers, decorative films as well as 3M’s Very High Bonding (VHB) gluing technology used to glue together all glass panels in the building.

Adrienne Selko

When 3M (IW 500/41) was deciding where to locate its new European headquarters the opportunity to collaborate with the Delft University of Technology was the determining factor in deciding to built in the Netherlands.

"This move required a long period of preparations," said Patrick Rogiers, managing director 3M Benelux. "We opted for the Science Park to allow us to work closely with the Technical University Delft and other technology companies in the vicinity."

Science Park Technopolis Delft is currently being developed as one of the top locations for research and development in Europe. The site is intended for knowledge-intensive companies active in sectors with links to TU Delft's expertise in scientific research.

On November 5, the new 3M headquarters at Technopolis Science Park in Delft officially opened.

The heart of the new headquarters, according to the company, is the Innovation Center. Two floors have been equipped for this showroom to welcome some 3,000 visitors per year. Besides customers, visitors also include third party professionals including representatives from the chemical sector and for example, students from universities and schools who get the chance to be introduced to 3M technologies.

"This is an inspiring place to brainstorm with customers and show them ideas", says Rogiers. "Similar centers where we collaborate like this with our customers are based in London and Madrid, as well as in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Besides the Innovation Center, the building in Delft is also home to a laboratory and an auditorium.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.