COMPANY PROFILE -3M
Business Sector :Industrial Manufacturing, Diversified
Operating Geography :United States, North America, Global
About 3M :
The 3M Company (earlier known as Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company) founded in 1902, is an industrial conglomerate based in Minnesota, United States. 3M is one of the leading manufacturers of several products like adhesives, tapes, abrasives, films, filtration, advanced materials, etc. suitable for various markets. 3M owns top brands like Post-It, Scotch, Scotch Brite, Command, ScotchBlue, Nexcare, Filtrete, etc. 3M's operations are governed by five key business segments, viz., Industrial, Safety and Graphics, Health Care, Electronics and Energy, and Consumer. It employs close to 95,000 people globally as of early 2022 with direct operations in more than 70 countries, sales in nearly 200 countries and manufactures more than 60,000 products. 3M has been listed as one of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for the eighth year in a row.
3M’s corporate vision as per the company annual report is “3M Technology Advancing Every Company, 3M Products Enhancing Every Home, 3M Innovation Improving Every Life.” 3M’s USP or Unique Selling Proposition sprawls in being one of the leading names in the conglomerate's sector. Advancement in Technology and Innovation are not only its USP or unique selling proposition, but key success factors that have led to its rapid organic growth.
3M Revenue :
US$ 35.4 billion - FY ending 31st December 2021
US$ 32.2 billion - FY ending 31st December 2020
Ownership / Major shareholders :
As of September 2021, the major shareholders of the company are as follows –
1) Vanguard Group (8.01%)
2) SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (5.74%)
3) BlackRock Fund Advisors (5.13%)
Competitive Analysis of 3M
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company started as a small-scale mining venture in Northern Minnesota. Today, 3M through its Scientific, technical and marketing innovations has become a constant name on the Fortune 500 list. With more than 60,000 3M products being used in homes, businesses, factories, institutions, hospitals, and other industries 3M is one of the leading brands in the conglomerates' sector. The SWOT analysis is therefore essential to identify the internal strengths and external opportunities that lead to the saturation of the company. The analysis also presents information on the weaknesses and threats to the company that can hinder its growth.
The cutting edge technology platforms, innovative manufacturing capabilities, renowned brands under its umbrella, operations in over 70 countries and sales in nearly 200 countries are the core competencies of 3M that present this conglomerate mammoth with a competitive advantage. Likewise, internal factors like robust financial position, strong R&D capacity, diversified business models, broad product portfolio, strong employee base etc., are also the most prominent strengths of 3M.
Operating in multiple diverse industries, markets, and sectors attract challenges like litigation matters, environmental issues, a constant requirement for investment, lack of focus and a wide range of competitors. These weaknesses can lead to mistakes that can hurt the brand image of 3M globally.
Acquisitions, tie-ups, new product development, diversification in businesses, emerging markets, natural improvements in various industries etc., are devising growth opportunities for 3M. Rapidly wavering technology is a threat to the company as technology is 3M's core priority and it directly impacts the manufacturing and supply process. 3M faces stringent competition threat from a broad range of rivals across various industries and markets, leading to loss of market share.
The SWOT analysis for 3M is presented below in a matrix followed by the detailed analysis
Strengths | Weaknesses |
1. Diverse product portfolio and global reach
2. Business model linked to key megatrends
3. Offering unique and differentiated value and solutions
4. Consistently strong financials and strong returns to shareholders
5. Supply chain provides a strong competitive advantage
6. Strong focus on research and development (R&D) driving innovation
7. Corporate restructuring and product portfolio optimization
| 1. Involvement in various litigations
2. Dependent on suppliers for operations and any disruption will impact business
|
Opportunities | Threats |
1. Electric vehicles a high growth market area, given 3M’s business presence
2. Business transformation to bring in long-term benefits
3. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) in strategic high growth areas
4. Increasing demand for N95 respirators and other equipment due to Covid-19
| 1. Strong US Dollar may impact sales
2. United States trade relations and protectionism
3. Supply chain bottlenecks are impacting business results
|
On purchase the 3M SWOT and PESTLE Analysis PDF report will reach you within minutes. At rare times, a slight delay not exceeding 1 hour might be caused.
Detailed SWOT Analysis of 3M
Strength
1. Diverse product portfolio and global reach: 3M manufactures more than 55,000 products across diverse industry segments such as healthcare, industrial and safety equipment, electronics and consumer goods. It has direct operations in more than 65 countries and indirectly sells its products in over 200 countries globally. 3M’s global capabilities include its front-and back-office footprint which enables the effective development, transformation and marketing of its products. 3M has created a successful portfolio that helps the company achieve efficient growth while building for the future. In 2019, 3M acquired Acelity Inc., a Texas-based, privately held medical device company, for a whopping $4.3 Billion, making it one of the biggest acquisitions so far. This acquisition added bandages and surgical wound products to the portfolio of 3M’s most lucrative business. For FY 2019, the acquisition contributed towards scaling net sales by +1.3% year over year. Also, prior strategic acquisitions such as Scott Safety, a premier safety solutions company in 2017 and of Elution Technologies in food testing, also in 2017 helped 3M strengthen its existing portfolio and make it more relevant to its customers. Further 3M is a globally respected and renowned organization known for quality and innovative products which translates into a major strength for the company.
2. Business model linked to key megatrends: 3M’s business model is linked to key global megatrends in order to develop relevant solutions. Sustainability, digital economy, urbanization and global middle class are the megatrends created as a result of technology conversion and demographic shift. With diversified business units spanning across areas such as healthcare, industrial and safety equipment, electronics and consumer goods, 3M uniquely positioned to win in all types of economies.
The remaining section under "Strengths" is available only in the 'Complete Report' on purchase.
Weakness
This section is available only in the 'Complete Report' on purchase.
Opportunity
This section is available only in the 'Complete Report' on purchase.
Threat
This section is available only in the 'Complete Report' on purchase.
The manufacturing industry is rapidly growing with emerging technologies. Currently trending tech factors are IoT, Big data, 3D Printing, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, predictive maintenance technologies, advanced technology for leveraging supply chain, instilling B2C model along with B2B, use of Augmented and Virtual Reality based devices, etc. These technological factors have a huge influence on the industry and are expected to increase profits, reduce the production cost, provide more value to the customer, faster delivery time and more. Accordingly, the PESTLE / STEEPL / PEST analysis technique is employed to analyze all pertinent external factors that create a huge impact on the automobile industry and largely on 3M's business model, growth trajectory, its business case, and market strategy. The PESTLE analysis helps to understand the influencers like political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental that impact the business of a company.
3M is a conglomerate mammoth that operates in more than 70 countries, sales in more than 200 countries and acquires roughly 60% of its earnings from outside the United States. Apart from global competition, 3M’s business is governed by geopolitical uncertainties, economic risks and legal issues that may adversely affect the business model. Bureaucracy, government interference in the manufacturing industry, tariffs and trade policies, government activities influencing foreign trade agreements, etc. are a few political and legal factors that affect the entire industry and largely 3M. As mentioned earlier the industry highly relies on technological trends, thus increasing the need to hire self-sufficient and technically strong employees. Due to a lack of skilled employees, economic risk for the company increases, as training of the existing employees and freshers require huge investments. 3M’s manufacturing operations are regulated by federal, state and local environmental laws around the world. However, 3M is a socially responsible brand that has set environmental goals like producing sustainable products, reducing water consumption, focusing on waste management, recycling of products, using sustainable packaging material, etc. According to 2018 annual report, $27 million have been instilled for projects related to environmental concern.
Find below the competitive analysis of the external environment for 3M presented in a matrix followed by the detailed PESLTE / STEEPL / PEST analysis report:
Political | Economical |
1. Political turmoil, terrorism and unrest across Europe, Middle East and Africa | 1. Strong US dollar impacting sales
2. Impact of Covid-19 on business operations
|
Social | Technological |
1. Rapid urbanization creating growth opportunities
2. Uncertain future of Affordable Care Act will drive up costs and may reduce enrolment by healthy young individuals
| 1. Technological innovation and research to be the key growth driver
2. Leveraging disruptive technologies in supply chain optimization
3. Implementation of an ERP system as part of business transformation will increase efficiency
|
Legal | Environmental |
1. Litigation due to disposal of manufacturing wastes | 1. Sustainability creating growth opportunities for 3M |
On purchase the 3M SWOT and PESTLE Analysis PDF report will reach you within minutes. At rare times, a slight delay not exceeding 1 hour might be caused.
Detailed Pestle Analysis of 3M
Political
This section is available only in the 'Complete Report' on purchase.
Economic
This section is available only in the 'Complete Report' on purchase.
Social
This section is available only in the 'Complete Report' on purchase.
Technological
This section is available only in the 'Complete Report' on purchase.
Legal
This section is available only in the 'Complete Report' on purchase.
Environmental
1. Sustainability creating growth opportunities for 3M: Global shifts and changes such as increased volatility, unprecedented climate events, growing levels of automation, and public pressure for transparency are increasing demands for companies across industries to step up to the challenge of sustainability. 3M has unique capability to innovate, serving both business growth and societal value. The company strives to create innovative products and solutions products with sustainable attributes and collaborates with customers globally to help them reduce their environmental footprint and meet their Sustainability goals. 3M has been on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for 18 consecutive years.
The remaining section under "Environmental" is available only in the 'Complete Report' on purchase.
Major Brands :
- 3M
- Scotch
- Scotch-Brite
- Post-it
- Nexcare
- 3M Thinsulate
Key Business Segments / Diversification :
3M
Safety and Graphics Health Care Electronics and Energy
Industrial Consumer
Recent Acquisition / Mergers / Alliance / Joint Ventures / Divestitures :
Open Table Preview
Name | Business Segment | Year | Type | Objective/Synergy Achieved |
LeanTec | Digital inventory management solutions | 2022 | Acquisition | For its commitment to "connected bodyshop," one of 3M's active digital platforms that integrates data capture and analysis with material product platforms, capitalizing on emerging needs and trends. |
Neogen | Food safety | 2021 | Acquisition | To make 3M’s food segment as a separate entity |
Acelity Inc | Medical products | 2019 | Acquisition | Acquired for $4.3 billion, its biggest acquisition so far. With this 3M strengthens its most profitable business by adding bandages and surgical products to its portfolio |
Source: Company website and other reliable sources. The detailed table is available in the Complete Report.
On purchase the 3M SWOT and PESTLE Analysis PDF report will reach you within minutes. At rare times, a slight delay not exceeding 1 hour might be caused.
WHY BUY THIS REPORT?
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DELIVERY AND FORMAT
WHY CHOOSE US?
1. The SWOT and PESTLE analysis report of 3M Company presents an understanding of the complex internal and external factors affecting the brand and its operations
2. The SWOT report presents an in-depth analysis of the internal factors like the strengths and weakness of 3M and provides strategic intelligence on opportunities and threats prevailing in the external environment
3. The summary of strategic initiatives that were taken by 3M to stay ahead of its peers and competitors and attain a competitive advantage
4. The PESTLE analysis of the manufacturing industry helps to recognize the current trends and factors that impact the industrial manufacturing market.
5. Employment of the PESTLE/ PESTEL/ STEEPL analysis for the overall analysis of all external factors namely, political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental and highlighting their outcome on the operation of 3M
6. An extensive view of the business model of 3M with further categorization and examination of key business segments and business case study
7. Intelligence on 3M’s mergers and acquisition, its subsidiaries, capital raising and equity, partnership and alliances that were subscribed by 3M to achieve its milestones, business aims, and synergies.
8. Comprehensive company analysis to obtain company information, company profile, business model, marketing and growth strategy.
9. A glimpse of 3M's USP or unique selling proposition, mission statement, and vision statement
10. Exposure to 3M's value proposition, key performance indicators, success factors, and core competencies that contributed to the fullness of the company



You may also be interested in other analyses of 3M:
-
3M Porter's Five Forces Analysis |
|
-
-
-
3M Covid-19 Impact Analysis |
|
-
-
3M Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning (STP) Analysis |
|
-
3M Ansoff Matrix Analysis |
|
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
Company Overview Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete Company Overview Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
Competitor Analysis Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete Competitor Analysis Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
Porter's Five Forces Analysis Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete Porter's Five Forces Analysis Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
VRIO Analysis Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete VRIO Analysis Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
Value Chain Analysis Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete Value Chain Analysis Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
Regulatory Outlook Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete Regulatory Outlook Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
Risk Analysis Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete Risk Analysis Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Analysis Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Analysis Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
M&A Analysis Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete M&A Report and Analysis Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
Subsidiaries, Partnerships and Collaborations Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete Subsidiaries, Partnerships and Collaborations Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
Stakeholder Analysis Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete Stakeholder Analysis Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
Technology Landscape and Outlook Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete Technology Landscape and Outlook Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
Covid-19 Impact Analysis Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete Covid-19 Impact Analysis Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
Key News and Events Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete Key News and Events Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
BCG Analysis Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete BCG Analysis Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategy Analysis Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategy Analysis Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning (STP) Analysis Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning (STP) Analysis Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Request for Quotation
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Get The Free Sample
Ansoff Matrix Analysis Report
This report is shared in order to give you an idea of what the complete Ansoff Matrix Analysis Report will cover after purchase. We invest deep in order to bring you insightful research which can add tangible value to your business or academic goals, at such affordable pricing.
Get this report delivered straight into your email inbox for free.
You also agree to receive email updates from us on our new reports and solutions.
We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails on our new reports and solutions.
Check Out Analysis of Other Relevant Companies
References used in 3M SWOT & PESTLE Analysis Report
1. 3M annual report - https://s24.q4cdn.com/834031268/files/doc_financials/2020/ar/2020_3M_Annual_Report.pdf
2. Industry Solutions with a Purpose | 3M Sustainability - https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/sustainability-us/industry-solutions/
3. 3M Sustainability Report - https://s24.q4cdn.com/834031268/files/doc_downloads/2020/Sustainability-Report-2020-Complete.pdf
4. 3M investor presentation - https://s24.q4cdn.com/834031268/files/doc_presentations/2020/05/07/3M_2019_Investor_Overview.pdf
The detailed complete set of references are available on request in the 'Complete report' on purchase.
How to Reference This Page?
You can use the following in your reference section in order to give credit to the source. For different referencing styles and detailed guidelines, please click here.
3M SWOT and PESTLE Analysis - SWOT & PESTLE.COM
SWOT & PESTLE.com (2025). 3M SWOT and PESTLE Analysis - SWOT & PESTLE.com. [online] Available at: https://www.swotandpestle.com/3m/ [Accessed 14 Feb, 2025].
In-text: (SWOT & PESTLE.com, 2025)
Copyrights and Disclaimer
3M SWOT and PESTLE analysis has been conducted by senior analysts from Barakaat Consulting.
Copyright of 3M SWOT and PESTLE Analysis is the property of Barakaat Consulting. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions and Disclaimer for usage guidelines.