The Economy

3M Completes Expansion in Asia

July 12, 2011

Company built a new factory in Taiwan and expanded its existing factory in Singapore.

3M said it has completed an expansion in Asia that will boost its production capacity of chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) pad conditioners.

St. Paul, Minn.-based 3M said it has expanded its existing factory in Woodlands, Singapore, and opened a new manufacturing plant in YangMei, Taiwan. Both facilities make pad conditioners.

By virtue of the expansion projects, 3M said it is the only pad-conditioner manufacturer with operations in three global locations, the third being its facility in Cottage Grove, Minn.

"We increased our capacity in Singapore earlier this year and our Taiwan factory is ready for high-volume production," said Charles Gould, global marketing development manager for 3M. "With multiple manufacturing locations, we offer the semiconductor industry a very strong continuity plan for supplying 3M pad conditioners."

3M's pad conditioners for conventional CMP slurry processes and unique fixed abrasives "deliver superior planarization, a more stable process and low defect rates," according to the company.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.