More than a century ago, 3M started as a small-scale mining venture in Northern Minnesota, then named Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. Now a global powerhouse, our products improve the daily lives of people around the world.  But success and longevity were not apparent from the start. After repeated trials and failures, 3M always tried something new. Repeat cycle. Innovation and perseverance drove the founders, and it continues to drive 3Mers today.