3M's history and stock performance: From mining startup to innovation giant
This article chronicles the history of 3M (MMM), from its founding in 1902 as a mining venture to its evolution into a global innovation powerhouse. It highlights key milestones including the invention of waterproof sandpaper, Scotch Tape, Post-it Notes (born from a failed adhesive experiment by Spencer Silver and later commercialized by Art Fry), and other breakthrough products. The piece also covers 3M's financial performance, stock history, dividend growth (over 60 consecutive years of increases), and its position as a Dow Jones Industrial Average component.
Key quotes
It was part of my job as a researcher to develop new adhesives, and at that time we wanted to develop bigger, stronger, tougher adhesives. This was none of those.
It was the misfire that launched the Boise Blitz.
3M has paid dividends without interruption for over 100 years and has increased its dividend for over 60 consecutive years.
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