3M Hosts Transportation Manufacturers Summit

ST. PAUL, MN—July 31, 2011: Today’s transportation engineers need solutions for a broad range of challenges. In response to these needs, 3M will host a Transportation Manufacturers Summit on September 14 in Elkhart, Indiana. The summit will feature technical seminars, product demonstrations and an Innovation Fair to connect transportation engineers with solutions to challenges in aspects including weight reduction, aesthetics, productivity, passenger comfort, safety, sustainability and water intrusion.

“We asked transportation engineers and manufacturers to tell us their pain points, and then we looked for solutions to those problems. The technologies we’ll be presenting represent the best of our 45 core technology platforms, with solutions from 14 3M product divisions and laboratories.”

The day will begin with a keynote speech from Joe Thompson, President of Roush CleanTech. Thompson is a nationally recognized expert in the fleet vehicle and propane fuel industries. John Waters, President of Waters & Associates, will also present a keynote speech during the summit. Waters is currently consulting on several sustainability initiatives throughout the country, and most recently led a $2 billion sustainability business plan for the energy supply and transportation sectors.

Four Tech Talks will also be presented over the course of the day, highlighting solutions for engineers, designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles. Topics will include “Replacing Mechanical Fasteners in Transportation Applications,” “Advances in Composite Materials,” “Advancements in Lighting Technologies,” and “Paint Shop Productivity Improvements.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to visit the 3M Innovation Fair at several points during the day to speak with 3M representatives and enjoy exclusive access to new 3M products and technologies. Recent acquisitions will also be showcased, including Nida-Core Structural Honeycomb materials, which provide weight reduction options and acoustical and vibration dampening.

“This summit was designed specifically in response to the needs of our customers,” said Steve Stark, Transportation Market Specialist. “We asked transportation engineers and manufacturers to tell us their pain points, and then we looked for solutions to those problems. The technologies we’ll be presenting represent the best of our 45 core technology platforms, with solutions from 14 3M product divisions and laboratories.”

3M looks forward to welcoming engineers, designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles to the summit. Advance reservations are required to attend, which will be held at the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Ind. on September 14, 2011. To secure reservations, visit www.3M.com/SpecialtyVehicle.

About 3M Adhesives & Sealants
3M Adhesives & Sealants are engineered with advanced chemistries for bonding, filling, sealing, waterproofing and more. These solutions provide a powerful alternative to rivets, screws, bolts and welds for tough industrial applications, outperforming mechanical fasteners. 3M Polyurethane and Hybrid Adhesives & Sealants are easy to apply, help increase productivity, simplify operations and cut costs. The product line is part of the 3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division.