ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Industrial Mineral Products Division of 3M will celebrate its 75th Anniversary in 2007. “The very first shipment of colored roofing granules was made from the 3M Wausau plant in 1932,” stated Tim Worms, marketing manager for 3M Industrial Mineral Products Division. “That Wausau shipment was truly foundational to building today’s IMPD reputation for high quality and the commitment to doing what it takes to satisfy our customers.”

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Industrial Mineral Products Division of 3M will celebrate its 75th Anniversary in 2007. “The very first shipment of colored roofing granules was made from the 3M Wausau plant in 1932,” stated Tim Worms, marketing manager for 3M Industrial Mineral Products Division. “That Wausau shipment was truly foundational to building today’s IMPD reputation for high quality and the commitment to doing what it takes to satisfy our customers.”

Worms noted that 3M was the first company to produce permanently colored roofing granules in a variety of colors, a key factor in the success of the asphalt roofing industry. 3M roofing granules provide asphalt shingles with uniformity and lasting color under extremes of temperature and weathering and are recognized as the standard of the industry.

Over the years, the company has guided significant advances in new product development in addition to the classic 3M™ Roofing Granules. Foremost among the company’s new products is the Scotchgard™ Algae Resistant Roofing System, which provides long-lasting algae and stain resistance. Recently a breakthrough in energy-efficient granule technology produced 3M™ Cool Roofing Granules.

Wausau was present at the beginning 75 years ago and is now joined by a network of plant locations including Belle Mead, N.J.; Corona, Calif.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Pittsboro, N.C.

For more information, visit /www.3M.com.