A Trip to the 3M Labs!

Anyone who’s been around me for even a short bit of time, would probably notice my fondness for those sticky little note pads called, Post-its, manufactured by 3M.  In fact, the only thing I don’t like about Post-its is that I wasn’t the clever person who invented them!  I love that they come in so many sizes and colors, (although I favor the original pale yellow) and that their low-tack adhesive never leaves a mark on surfaces.  3M is actually one of our advertising partners and we thought it would be fun to visit their Innovation Center in St.Paul, Minnesota.  So, last week, I traveled there with a TV crew and taped our visit, which will air on my television show on May 12th.  As you can imagine, 3M is a creative and inspiring place to work and I left there with some very exciting new ideas of my own. 

The G5 is owned by 3M corporation. Our team flew to St. Paul, Minnesota on it for a long “day trip.”

Upon arrival, Vinnetta Scrivo fixed my hair and touched up my makeup, done earlier in the day, at my home at 7AM, by her sister, Eva Scrivo.

This was the "Welcome" sign at the 3M innovation center, where we taped part of my segment.

The CEO, George Buckley, and I are in the Innovation Center. He gave a brief history of this remarkable American company, started in 1902.

The Innovation Center looks out onto a big lake. Although being April, spring was still not much in evidence here.

In the Gallery of Innovation - I, Charles Koppelman, and Bob MacDonald recline to watch a very interesting 3 minute film about the company and its amazing technologies.

Lunch with the executives included a beautifully set table - my Macy's collection linens - Bison and Walleye.

Abrasives and sponges for the homemaker's use are another large part of 3M's “home” business. Here I learn about new innovations in the Scotch Brite line of cleaning scrubbers.

This is one of the many laboratories that develop, create, and invent new products.

Just a couple of the warning signs that are positioned throughout the buildings.

All kinds of tests and studies and mysterious experiments take place in giant rooms like these.

In one lab the effectiveness of Scotch Brite is tested, and tested, and retested.

This scale of hardness tells us which abrasive is safe to use on what surfaces.

Mark took me through the testing of different new Scotch Brite products - I was very impressed.

I was given an official lab coat with my name on it!

Our beautiful Wedgewood china (Martha Stewart Collection at Macy's) was used to demonstrate the newest product - an abrasive safe to use on fine china and glassware.

My segment producer, Becky, Bob MacDonald (Chief Marketing Officer), and I in the testing lab.

Liesl Menning, my assistant, and Vinetta, makeup artist, demonstrating fur removal with a new 3M product.

 

Adhesives are fascinating - there are so many different technologies and options - from Scotch Tape to spray mounts to glues of every description. The entire history of the company's more than 55,000 products is highlighted in the Innovation Center - we went through just five of the technologies and I was hooked! Microreplication is something we don't think about, but every stop sign, road divider, and traffic signal uses some bit of this new technology. Non-woven materials - fabrics, abrasive sponges, bandages, surgical masks, etc. - are all part of this ever-growing field.I could not show you photos from this section, as it contained classified works in progress!

Here I am trying to persuade a product manager to change the color of the “blue tape” used by painters and floor refinishers - I think she was a bit peeved at me for such a suggestion.

I was asked to sign a lab t-shirt by Mark, Scotch Brite's scientist.

After a very long day we flew back to NYC - here's Vinnetta, napping soundly.

And here's Charles Koppelman who left 3M just as energized and excited as myself.

Liz Koman, SVP Broadcasting Ad Sales

Sally Preston, SVP Publisher/MSL

Tod Morehead, SVP Crafts Licensing

Comments

[Linda Gail]

Martha:)
Thank you for another wonderful and educational trip. I would love to be able to tour the 3M labs. I would be like a 3rd grade school kid. So full of questions that the guide would be ready to throw me into the lake in front of that beautiful building. I would also love to fly in that marvelous jet. It looks so big and roomy inside and simply beautiful also.
Thanks again for another wonderful blog.
Linda Gail

[Nan Ashby]

As a retired teacher, while I tried to organize my textbooks, papers, grade book, and various methods and ideas, I couldn't have without Post-its. As I gradually reached 32 years of teaching I was using more and more of them. I really didn't know if it was lack of brain power or just greater challenge of organization. Martha, you would have been the National Teacher Candidate for excellence in Education and would have won. Anyway this is a great company and I appreciate their research and dedication to make our lives easier. Thanks for such an introspective blog. Nan

[JBrennan]

Martha:

Your trip to 3M looks like it was both informative and fun. I did not realize how many products and innovative technologies have had their genesis at this company.

Your pictures, as usual, are excellent.

I was surprised to learn of the new abrasive scrubber that can be used on fine china and stemware. Perhaps they would consider making the "painter's tape" in the same aqua blue shade as the scrubber. Now that would be a good thing!

I'm looking forward to seeing the segment when it runs in May.

Joseph Brennan

[Smellyann]

My God, you are a busy woman! I can't imagine the President having a more hectic schedule!

[Claudine]

looks like a fun trip, I sure hope they will start making a Martha green and blue post it now. I think you could sell it at Macy's. You should have a whole line of office products, I know I would buy every piece...
Claudine

[Celina]

How interesting this visit must have been. While I was in college studying industrial design we visited several factories and testing labs. I find mesmerizing all the procedures that go into creating a new product and how it can greatly impact the daily lives of the people that use the product. Thank you for such an interesting topic. I look forward to the airing of this episode.

[Pam from California]

Yo Martha,(just teasing you!)

Fun photos of your field trip I always look forward to the field trips when you take us along in your side pocket and are present for the location shoots and not just conducting voice overs.

Paging Dr. Stewart!I think you'd make a pretty good doctor had you followed that route back in your college days you look pretty nifty in your lab jacket. Look out world you might have discovered a rare gene/cure and been famous in that way too!
So who takes the photos of you when you aren't taking them and gets to go along on all these great road trips and be on your "buffer" team? Laura? Eliad(sp) I am so jealous they have a great job ,I love to take photos but never be in them some folks just don't photograph well but you sure do.
I use yellow postee notes and am always teased because I like the boring color and not the bright ones.
I am with you on those had it head band things Rosie made. I like the solid colors and dark ones I'd want a solid instead of the wild ones shown on yesterday's show lol! I hope you had a good trip to High Point. On the next Ask Martha this week on Sirius 112 will you give us a low down of the week of events you know a recap of all the neat things you did from this field trip to flowers, to ring my bell to high point please? I will be listening on Thursday.
Thank you
Pam from California

[Amy]

Too cool, Martha!

You know, when we buy these things, we never really think too much about what's behind it. I, too, love Post-It notes, both at work and at home. Of course, 3M products are some of the best in the world, too! Can't wait to see the segment--and I'll be buying more 3M stuff, too.

Way to go, Martha!

Amy
Houston, TX

[Kathy]

Hi, Martha,
What an informative and fun trip! Thanks for giving us a glimpse into the world of 3M.
Kathy

[Sonja Nelson]

I love love love their products and it's interesting to hear how thourough they are in their testing, and how exciting is it that there is a new 'scrubber' safe to use on china. Food gets stuck on china too so it's great that they have developed something to aid in keeping your china looking great!

[Jennifer Fancher]

Hi-
Post it notes are great! In a pinch they work as stickers. I carry my Hello Kitty 'Chococat'post-its and use them to give my students new words to learn, keeps them busy writing while talking to a parent, and they are happy as can be with the little graphic they can stick anywhere!

[Trish]

Thanks for an interesting blog and I look forward to seeing the show on May 12th. I too wish they would make that painter's tape in different colors because I use it for other things other than for painting. It is very sturdy wrapped around a few times. Trish

P.S. I enjoyed Rosie on the show yesterday. You two make a good crafting team.

[Linda]

Thanks for visiting 3M! Just one small point, 3M is in Saint Paul not Minneapolis....we Saint Paul residents are very proud of 3M!!!

[Andrew Ritchie]

There is a large 3M plant just outside of Ottawa, Canada, and we pass it on our way to our cottage. I never gave it much thought, to be honest, but now I have some idea of what goes on inside.

Thanks, Martha.

Andrew

[Donna]

That seemed like an interesting trip. Thanks for sharing it! I'm looking forward to watching your visit on May 12th.

[Becky]

I'm so excited to see the show in May! I grew up right next to the 3M complex, in Maplewood, which is a suburb of St. Paul, not Minneapolis, by the way, so it is wonderful for our local business to be featured on your show!

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, Thanks so much for taking us along on your trip to the fantastic labs of the 3-M Company. I remember this company from back in my childhood {Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co.}. I may be wrong, but I think my Dad had a car insurance policy back in the 40's & 50's from 3-M. I love the photos of the labs with you and your great crew. It looks like everyone was having a fabulous time. Thanks again for sharing. Jan

[Amelia Hardy]

Hello Martha,

I am the Scotch-Blue Painter's Tape Brand Manager. It was great to meet you and show you the painter's tape! And no, I was not peeved at your suggestion, but very honored to take a picture with you!:-) Hope you visit us again soon.

Best Wishes,
Amelia

[Julie]

Hi Martha,

Glad to see you have been to Minnesota. Not the best time to visit, but you sure did visit one of our best hometown companies that I would have to say, us, Minnesotans are proud of. I can't wait to see the segment on your show.

Julie Foote
Coon Rapids, MN

[Kathy :)]

Hi Martha,

Love the post its I also say "why didn't I think of them first" lol

I will be very interested in the fur removal product...

Thanks for the tour,
Kathy ;)

ps I bought your rooster cutting board OMG it's huge and I love it !!!

[Sherey]

A great trip and photos...i am sure there is a wealth of knowledge behind each and every one of 3M products. Great that you could see first hand how it all evolves. Loved the name of your linens...i think they catch Walleye in Minnesota.

I think we all need a Vinnetta in our lives to keep our hair in place as we go about our busy days...i could use her expertise right after the times i come in from the garden! Martha...i don't think you ever have a bad hair day just a *busy hair day*!

[s4xton]

Cool post. I've always wondered what it looked like inside their Gulfstream V; I work in Saint Paul and see it from the outside! There's some fun people over at 3M. I'll await your segment on them in May!

[ShopLittleGifts]

How interesting, can't wait to watch the show. 3m is truly legendary in their levels of innovation over the years. I totally agree with Martha's recommendation on the blue tape - it's not a very fun or warm color.

[Margie]

Martha,
The real thrill if I was presenting some of the information is the fact you were interested and cared to know about the product. What a thrill to see interest and attention in your eyes. Of course it wouldn't be too shabby that you were Martha Stewart as well. Thanks so much for the blog.

[Jane M]

Looks like a real fun trip! I too am addicted to POST-ITS! Buy them every time I'm in the store!