ACQUIRED BY 3M UK PLC. The 3M Company, formerly known as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, is an American multinational conglomerate corporation based in Maple wood, Minnesota. With $30 billion in sales, 3M employs 88,000 people worldwide and produces more than 55,000 products, including: adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, dental products, electronic materials, medical products, car-care products (sun films, polish, wax, car shampoo, treatment for the exterior, interior and the under chassis rust protection),electronic circuits, and optical films. 3M has operations in more than 65 countries—29 international companies with manufacturing operations and 35 companies with laboratories. 3M India is the only public company other than the parent company. 3M products are available for purchase through distributors and retailers in more than 196 countries, and many 3M products are available online directly from the company.