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

[Kimberley Allan]

Dear Martha,

Thank you for the fascinating tour of 3M! I am looking forward to the episode.

I didn't think it was possible for someone to love Post-Its as much as I do! I remember receiving my first package of Post-Its as a child. My godmother gave me craft and office supplies for Christmas one year and included in it was Post-Its- we had never seen anything like it!

Cheers,
Kimberley

[Wayne]

Martha, Thanks for visiting 3M. You barely scratched the surface of all the cool things we make here. Next time you come I hope we can show you the Nexcare Consumer Health Care Products. You briefly mentioned bandages, but there are many ways we have to repair skin. I know you would love Nexcare Skin Crack Care for stopping the hurt of damaged fingers from working on those wonderful hand made things you make. All the best to you.

[Emine Tekin]

Dear Martha,
we have been following your blog from Turkey.Keep up the good work, best wishes, Emine Tekin

[Randi]

When Rosie was on, you mentioned this trip and I was intrigued. After reading this, I cannot wait for this episode to air. Is that strange? I just find this fascinating.

Thanks for keeping us well-informed.
Randi

[Patra]

Martha:
I live in the Rochester NY area and remember when you toured our Highland Park to see the lilacs. Another interesting place for lilacs is - NEBRASKA. Check out the article below: http://www.deere.com/en_US/ag/homestead/articles/garden/2008/lilac_march2008.html?promo=apr08yardsahead

You might enjoy a trip to the midwest.

[Sasha Libby]

Among his many talents, my father is an adhesive expert. What a thing! His background in chemistry has served him well. I'll give him the heads-up about the 3M tour when it airs, he will be fascinated - as am I!

[Paula M.]

Martha,
Great blog story on 3M. Can't wait to see the show.
How about a "Martha" green Post-It note. I know I'd definately buy those! I use them all the time!
Thanks for a great informative story again!
Paula :)

[jo lea beard]

thanks for more education and entertainment....love the new sponges will they make plain white sponges if you ask them...all the other colors seem to stand out in the kitchen plus i can wash them with the whites and use bleach to kill germs. jolea beard thanks martha

[Patricia Maillard]

Dear Martha:

Iam trying to find a kitchen ruler and oven rack push-puller, I saw you use one on your show a long time ago. I have one but due to age the ruler split in two. Can you please tell me were I can purchase a few. I find the ruler a very good kitchen tool.

[3M Employee]

Martha - Thanks for visiting us here at 3M. It's wonderful to see people such as yourself take interest in the technologies that relate directly back to our consumer products. It is overwhelming the plethora of goods that 3M actually has a touch point on.

So that your viewers and the folks on this blog truly understand the breadth of 3M...here is an excerpt from the "Spririt of Information" home page of United States www.3M.com:

"For more than 100 years, people around the world have looked to 3M for products and ideas that solve problems and make their lives easier and better. With more than 55,000 products, 30-plus core technologies and leadership in major markets served worldwide, 3M continues to develop ingenious solutions to meet your varying needs"

3M is a huge family and great place to be!

[Tia R.]

Hi Martha:

I used to work in one of the 3M labs before I had my little guy. I was the best job I had and now I really miss it. I love how passionate you are behind products you love. Thanhks for supporting 3M.

You are a inspiration...keep doing what you are doing.

[jack wilkins]

The successful launch of any new business is dependent on a total team effort! The "Post-It" Note is one of the best examples of teamwork to ever come out of 3M! As Marketing Director with total marketing responsibility for directing the National introduction of the "Post-It" Note in 1980,,,,(preceded by a 11-state west coast introduction in 1979), I can honestly tell you that success was the direct result of a total team effort,,,lab,,,,manufacturing,,,,engineering,,,,marketing,,,,sales,,,,and yes,,,,,finally corporate management, which is not always an automatic endorsement. The "Post-It" product line is still the biggest story to come out of 3M to this day, thanks to an outstanding marketing department working closely with an outstanding technical organization. Thanks for your support of 3M and "Post-It" Notes!! Where were you when we needed you in 1980??? :-)

[Mari]

Hi Martha, Thanks for touring 3M...I am a very proud 30-year employee at the St. Paul, MN headquarters. I am continually amazed by the innovative products that spring from our labs! Such talented people! I must admit that am truly addicted (as everyone in my office knows)to Post-It Notes and have them in every conceivable color, size, and shape. I am also a voracious crafter/artist and have made some wonderful gifts that incorporate Post-it Notes...so if you are looking for a hand-crafted Post-it Note gift idea, let me know!

[Cathy Courtney]

Hi Martha,

I work for 3M and was excited to see your blog today. I'm glad that you'll be showing the world 3M and it's products and innovations. I'm proud to be a 3Mer and I love to watch your show. I'll be taping the May 12th for sure to watch your visit to the Center. I also got to fly in one of 3M's private jets years ago to Wonewok, 3M's resort in Northern MN for a team award trip! Maybe it was the same jet.
Thanks always for your talent and amazing stories, guests, tips and your products, etc you bring to us everyday! What would we do without you!
Cathy

[Laurie Carpenter]

Just one question. Where did the name 3M come from?

[Bob]

3M actually stands for: Minnesota Mining and Manufactoring

[Mame]

Martha,
I'm surprised you didn't use a Scotch Brite no-scratch pad on a cool iron for the segment you did on the show regarding cleaning soleplates. They work like a charm!

Mame

[Pat Erickson]

Martha, I have a friend who works at 3M and she was so proud she sent me your blog. Now I can see why Naomi loves working for 3M!! To Naomi....Now I'm really proud for you too!!! XXOOPAT

[Lynn]

Thank you so much for sharing your trip to 3M. I too am a BIG fan of Post-its. I love all the colors. My grandkids buy them for me as gifts when coming to visit. :)

[Rus]

The Post-it note is a blessing with one major fallback - it is designed with waste in mind. With adhesive on only one side, people only utilize that one side therefore an entire side of paper is not used.

Waste huh?

[Lisa]

Martha, very interested in seeing the segment on 3M. I work in a 3M plant just 150 miles south of where you were, in Minnesota. Our plant makes so many things, such as sterilizers for the medical industry, terminals, library book readers and many other things people wouldn't realize come from 3M. If you are ever interested in visiting one of the 3M production plants, please consider the plant in New Ulm Minnesota.

[Karen]

Martha,
The name 3M comes from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing. I work for 3M making Roofing Granules. I have been with the company for 30+ years and enjoyed seeing the inside of the Jet. 3M is a great place to work, thanks for the visit.

[Mari Simonson]

I've been a 3Mer for 15 years working in California and I can say it is a wonderful company to work for, with amazing people. I've also been a "Martha fan" for as many years and I'm really looking forward to the broadcast. Welcome to the 3M world of innovative products Martha!

[Mary]

I was very interested in your visit to the 3M Co. My husband worked in their Abrasive Division for 38 years and was very proud of his work there. It is an amazing company that continues to come out with new inovations all the time.

[greg Miernik]

Hey Martha,
Cant think of a better place to post this than in you 3M inovation visit.
Im a very big fan Polich/Canadian
who is currently studying Veterinary medicine at St. George's University on the amazing island of Grenada. I really miss your tv shows and magazine since they are not available here. Grenada though slowly becoming over-americanized, still lacks. We do not get your magazines here. I was wondering if you ever considered having an on-line version of all your magazines and maybe even your shows.
Back in Canada I paid $29.99 for 12 issues of your magazine delivered to my door. I would be willing to pay that same price for an online pdf or other format of your magazine. This would allow any one any where to gain acces to you material, as well since the world is going all "green" it would save alot of resource. By being able to view and print what matters to one and not another, would save alot of resources. I personaly find half of the content in most printed magazines useles to me. Being able to print and store what I consider relavent to me would be great.
Another thing since technology is taking the market by storm, why not incorporate a printable section to your websites. For a small membership fee allow people acces to a well developed printable recepie library that can be printed and assembled into a cook book at home by any individual allowing them to pick what applies to them etc.... Plus with hte developing technology more and more people rely on the internet in their kitchens (especialy since you can browse the net from your fridge now a day) I think this would be a good thing. And would make your product much more accesable by individuals who can not get access to it due to what ever reasons. Now a day mostly everyone has a computer or two at home, and allowing them access to your products, and services where they are able ot pick whats relavent and print worthy might be a good "green" friendly move.
I know you get thousands of suggestions daily from many people. And being a bussy student Im not sure if such a service is available, but if not it deffinetly is worth consideration.
Any who sorry If I wasted your time, and deffinetly I would love to hear back from you if this was either help full or not.
Greg Miernik
greg_m01@hotmail.com