3M says its new $A133 million manufacturing plant at Hilden, close to Düsseldorf, in Germany will significantly increase the production of 3M Graphics Films for global markets including Australia. The films are used for vehicle design, advertising and promotional activities.
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| 3M wrap film |
“With the new manufacturing facilities and state-of-the-art energy management systems in Hilden, we are now ideally positioned to meet the high expectations of our customers worldwide in terms of delivery capability, product quality and sustainability,” said plant manager Christoph Beyer.
Amit Laroya, senior vice president, 3M Transportation and Electronics Business Group, Asia, said: “This new facility reaffirms 3M’s commitment to the graphics business and will support our growth needs in Australia as well. We remain committed to providing world class sustainable products for our customers and improving service levels and quality that is expected of us as a market leader.”
The $133m investment sees the introduction of two new production lines capable of producing an additional five million square meters of film per year and illustrates 3M's commitment to invest in capacity to meet customer demand, according to the US-based company.
“The facility's location [near Düsseldorf] accommodates the rapidly growing market for 3M Commercial Solutions products. This investment not only increases capacity but enables our markets to be serviced quickly and efficiently.
“The site is being celebrated as an Industry 4.0 plant demonstrating the cutting edge of graphic film manufacturing. Engaging Six Sigma Black Belts to implement LEAN initiatives has allowed the plant to reach optimum efficiencies and deliver on its productivity targets, including state of the art automation and a focus on clean energy.”
Yolla Levitt, senior vice president of the Transportation and Electronics Business Group, said 3M is committed to sustainable development. “The entire 3M Group aims to halve its CO2 emissions by 2030, and in Hilden we will achieve this goal as early as 2022.”
Manohar Raghavan, director, 3M Commercial Solutions Division, Asia, added: “As we focus on increasing our penetration in the Asia region for the Commercial Solutions division, this strategic investment in graphics, which is one of the core portfolios for us, will support our commitment and help us create more value for our customers.”
