3M New Ulm ramps up production to meet demand

Anticipating busy spring construction season

NEW ULM -- In anticipation of a busy spring construction season, the 3M Company in New Ulm is ramping up with continuous improvement projects to increase manufacturing productivity.

In fact, a number of products made at the New Ulm plant are seeing growth.

"We continue to focus on how to best serve our customers with high-quality products delivered on-time and in the quantities needed," said 3M Electrical Markets Division Plant Manager Andrew Supina.

"With competitors in all of the markets we serve, retaining existing customers and growing our business with new customers is critical," added Supina.

He said the New Ulm plant is a key part of a major project to design the next generations of splices, including new manufacturing technologies that will be located here.

Water filters are another growth product.

"Our water filtration products have seen growth in residential applications and food service applications are doing well," Supina said. "We recently started making products for new customers, adding to the existing customers we already serve."

He said an expanded quality lab is under construction at the New Ulm plant to be more responsive to customer requests.

"Continuous improvement projects are underway to improve our productivity in this area," added Supina. "And with some pending new business, safely maximizing our output is important to supporting additional growth opportunities."

In addition, he said the New Ulm plant plastic molding and assembly area is working hard to meet increased demand for electrical connectors, hard hats, and ear plugs.

"We have attracted new business to the plant including 3M products for industrial cleaning applications," Supina said. "We are making investments in new technologies to improve the manufacturing of hard hats, and there have been investments in data automation, ergonomic improvements, and equipment performance."

Supina said the electronic hard-goods division is seeing a lot of growth.

"We are making blowers for 3M-powered respirators as well as other components that go into the finished products," Supina said. "The team has increased output in this area in demand to surges in customer demand."

3M's new Versaflo TR 300+ powered respirators have two airflow rate options, upgraded altitude compensation up to 14,000 feet, and constant airflow, even as the battery discharges, or the filter becomes loaded with particulates, the unit delivers a steady flow of air.

A user-friendly interface allows users to monitor the operating status of their filter, battery, and airflow at a glance.

Most maintenance can be done quickly and easily by hand, including changing the battery, filter and pre-filter.

The respirators are suitable for use in decontamination showers. The PAPRs (powered air purifying systems) widely fielded across the U.S., have been used for decades in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, according to 3m.com.

Supina said part of the plant is making utility locators for finding underground pipes to ensure safety when construction is planned.

"Investments have been made in new technologies to improve the manufacturing of components like circuit boards," added Supina. "New business for multiple 3M businesses are on their way, including voice-activated devices for physicians, energy grid integrity check devices, respirator performance sensors, and other new items. With new business coming into the plant, it is an exciting time for 3M, New Ulm."

3M New Ulm was named 2020 Large Business of the Year by the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce.

The New Ulm 3M team was cited for raising more than $11,000 in 2020 donations to help support non-profit organizations and charities.

3M employees were cited for being active in many organizations and activities including the New Ulm clay shooting team, Robohounds Robotics club, Junior Achievement classes, the New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf, Take-a-Kid Fishing program, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts troops, and donating to the United Way.

The New Ulm 3M plant was cited for helping the food shelf secure a $10,000 3M Corporate Grant used for capital improvements on site including a new client-choice process.

In addition, Supina was cited for launching major initiatives with the help of his leadership team, to attract more business in 2020. Supina is also active on the Chamber Business Education Network Committee.