A £70 million global investment is set to help boost production capacity for
3M Commercial Solutions Division’s clients in the UK. The company, which helps customers build brands and transform spaces with total graphics and signage solutions, will now be able to meet growing demand by tapping into additional capacity at its facility in Hilden, Germany.
Two new graphic film production lines will be capable of delivering an additional five million m
2 of film every year, ensuring lead times are maintained and growth expectations can be met.
The site is being celebrated as an Industry 4.0 lighthouse plant, incorporating ‘state of the art’ graphic film manufacturing, leading-edge energy management systems and world-class quality performance, including web inspection, defect identification and automatic converting connections.
Engaging IASSC-certified Six Sigma Black Belt methodology to implement lean initiatives has allowed the plant to reach optimum efficiencies and deliver on its productivity targets, including automation and a focus on clean energy that will help the facility reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2022.
With 2,800m
2 of manufacturing floorspace, the new building took 353 days to construct and reinforces Hilden’s position as the largest 3M production plant in Europe, reducing the shipping time to customers being serviced in the UK.
Silvia Perez, 3M Commercial Solutions Division president, said: “This investment further demonstrates our commitment to leadership in the Commercial Solutions world and boosts our capacity across key markets like the UK.
“We are proud that this high-investment, next-generation site with global reach has been established in Europe and we are excited that this is just the first step of a longer-term investment plan.”
The official opening was attended by key stakeholders from the 3M Commercial Solutions Division, the pioneers behind the development of the new facility, and key dignitaries from the German government.
3M manufactures graphic films‚ flexible substrates and inks used to create finished graphics that are consistent‚ reliable and durable. The company also holds training programmes for installers of all skill levels, to help them grow their businesses and build their reputations.