From The Journal archives:

Employment has stabilized at the two 3M plants in New Ulm, according to plant managers Glen Bloomer and Ben Thompson.

After dipping to 1,025 total in March the total employed at both plants is now back up to about 1,100.

Peak 3M employment in New Ulm was a year ago when 1,500 were working, including about 150 temporary summer employees. In January,after the layoff of 200 or so, the total was 1,150. At that time another 100 employees were offered transfers from the graphics to electro plant, in some cases involving a lower wage level.

All but 37 of those laid off last January have now been recalled. Normal attrition (people quitting,not replaced) makes up the difference.

Thompson and Bloomer noted,” as a matter of perspective, that through the early months of 1973 employment was averaging just over 900 people.”

The two men believe the recall of people laid off supports the feeling of most economic experts that the recession has bottomed out, according to a 3M news release. The company is ready to take advantage of the turnaround whenever it comes.

“We are basing our optimism on the ability of our employees in New Ulm to adapt and react to changing demands,” they said. “There are factors beyond our individual control, such as energy supply, which can affect economic recovery.”

A PRODUCT line new to the plant here will start production at the electro-products plant in August or early September, an electrical safety device for consumer and industrial use.

The device, a ground fault interrupter, will account for about six jobs initially. The product was made in the past for 3M by a company in California. In April 3M bought the assets of the division making this product and it will now be produced at the New Ulm plant.

The product measures the difference in current going into a machine and current going out. If the difference becomes dangerously high the device stops the machine, according to a 3M spokesman. The device doesn’t take the place of a circuit breaker or fuse box. It does protect against line to ground electrical shock.

A STATEMENT released by Bloomer and Thompson stated:

“The recession brought a temporary halt to the accelerated growth we had experienced during 1974 and prior years, but it did not halt the introduction of new products into the local plant operation.

“Increasing customer acceptance of 3M products has persisted and new and substantially improved products have been introduced in the market.

“Products in the duplicating, microfilm and packaging areas continue to attract wide customer acceptance. The expanding lines of electrical insulating, connecting, sealing and protective products for use in telecommunications, construction, utilities and automotive manufacture have made important contributions to increasing sales.

“New Ulm people have confidence in themselves. They are prepared and willing to change and to do what is necessary to adapt quickly to the needs of our customers. This responsiveness often results in additional jobs and more secure jobs.”

New Ulm Daily Journal

Aug. 5, 1975