3M Gulf Expands Geographical Presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

KSA, December 2, 2012

Local office inaugurated in Jeddah further strengthens 3M’s expansion initiatives across the region

3M Gulf, a recognized leader in research and development today announced the opening of a fully operational office in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in line with its extensive growth plans for the Middle East and Africa region. The new local facility was inaugurated by Osama Hammoudeh, Managing Director, 3M Saudi Arabia.

The opening of this facility reaffirms 3M’s commitment to the Saudi Arabian market and is an effort to establish a local presence in a territory with key growth opportunities. Speaking on the occasion, Osama Hammoudeh, Managing Director, 3M Saudi Arabiasaid, “This announcement marks the expansion of our operations in the region and is a reflection of the increasing acceptance of 3M, reinforcing our overall growth in the Middle East and globally. Saudi Arabia is one of our strategic markets in the Middle East and Africa region and the expansion is a manifestation of our commitment towards the Saudi economy.”

“We are proud of our presence in KSA and the decision to move ahead with the Saudi expansion phase is a viable stepping stone for 3M’s foray into the Saudi market, given its dynamic economy ripe with vast opportunities,” he further added.

3M’s presence in Jeddah will focus on leveraging the key 3M business unit portfolios, as recently announced during the realignment of its major business groups, to better serve global markets and customers. The new structure now comprises of five business groups: Consumer (2011 global sales of $4.2 billion), Industrial ($9.6 billion), Health Care ($5.0 billion) and two newly formed business groups: Safety & Graphics ($5.5 billion), and Electronics & Energy ($5.7 billion). Previously, the company operated six major businesses.

The new structure seeks to infuse fresh investments while simultaneously introducing tailor made innovations relevant for the specific needs of the industries operating in the region. In addition to better serving customers through the establishment of a local presence in the region, the move is also expected to significantly boost employment opportunities for locals in the region, positioning 3M as a contributor to the economic development in KSA.

3M, with its diversified product portfolio and 46 technology platforms has achieved significant milestones in the Middle East and Africa region. From providing passive and active fire protection solutions to key institutions, to addressing the emerging healthcare needs of the country and also encouraging the growth of the nations’ automotive industry with its state of the art nanotechnology films, 3M has been at the forefront for diverse industry sectors.