3M Chooses Korea For New Manufacturing Plant

June 8, 2006

In order to meeting Asia's need for respiratory protection products, 3M chose Hwaseong, Korea for its new manufacturing facility. Located 20 miles outside of Seoul, the plant will manufacture maintenance-free respirators and elastomeric facepiece respirators.

These products, sold to both industrial and professional customers, will meet the market demand created by companies that have a greater awareness of workplace safety according to a company statement.

"This investment strengthens our ability to better serve our customers in Asia and meet the growing demand for our respiratory protection products," said Michael Kelly, division vice president, 3M occupational health and environmental safety division. "This world-class facility brings us closer to our customers giving us greater speed-to-market."

Over the last few years, 3M has made manufacturing investments to meet demand for respiratory protection products, including adding manufacturing lines at its facilities in Valley, Neb.; Aberdeen, S.D.; and Aycliffe, U.K.

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.