Since its 2006 relocation to the Beijing Economic Development Area (BDA), 3M, one of the world's leading hi-tech companies, has been responsible for one global patent, three Chinese patents and a staggering 97 major new innovations and inventions in the field of telecommunications, liquid crystal display and a host of related fields. Such renewed creativity is remarkable for a company which can trace it roots back to 1902, when it launched as the "Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Corporation" in America's Midwest. Since than it has developed a global reputation as a leading innovator in the highly competitive fields of science and technology. It is also now one of the Fortune 500's best performing global businesses. A recognized pioneer in research and development, it has developed thousands of innovative products - a pedigree that its Beijing subsidiary has been proud to emulate. Reflecting on its November 2006 move to Yizhuang, Liu Yaoqi, general manager of the 3M R&D Center, said: "When the R&D center was based in the central business district of Beijing, it took at least two hours for our engineers to travel out to visit clients. "As the BDA developed, we found that requests for our engineers to make on-site visits in the Yizhuang area were going through the roof. A number of our global clients, including Foxconn, Nokia, Mercedes-Benz, Coca Cola, ABB, BOE Technology Group Co Ltd and the Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation had already established facilities there. We had little choice but to follow." Door-to-door client visits have long been part of 3M's service ethos, making the 2006 launch of the 3M Beijing Technology Centre on Yizhuang's International Enterprise Avenue almost inevitable. Commenting on subsequent developments, Liu said: "Since that time, we have found our horizons have expanded hugely. The environment here suits us very well. "As a multinational with innovation at its core, 3M seeks to play a leading role - not only in science and technology innovation, but also in the cultivation of innovative talents. We feel it is incumbent upon us to set an example for other multinationals to follow." In line with its policy of nurturing new talent, the 3M Beijing Technology Center now employs 40 science and technology graduates from universities across China. It is also planning to double its number of R&D staff and technicians at the center by 2013. This will hugely boost 3M's technology support in northern China. From its 2006 launch onwards, the 3M Beijing Technology Center has sought to accelerate the cultivation of research and development professionals throughout northern China, as a means of providing continuous 'impetus' for innovation. The Center currently conducts high-level exchanges with various ministries and commissions, as well as consulting widely on development issues with industry experts across the globe. Liu said: "Involvement in the specification of industrial standards is one of the key responsibility of companies engaged in research and development. It is incumbent upon us to take a lead in the industry." Currently, technicians at the center are actively involved in pre-stage technology support work for as many as 28 industrial standards. The work covers the areas of vocational health and safety, personal safety, liquid crystal displays, automobile safety, transportation safety, as well as telecommunications and electric power. The standards have been conceived with ensuring the overall industrial competitiveness of China very much in mind. The financial crisis has had a number of consequences for 3M China and the 3M Beijing Technology Center, but these consequences have not resulted in cost cutting or reduced staffing levels. The company has also increased its financial support for research and development programs. According to Liu, the global economic downturn has not resulted in a significant change in local strategy, with 3M continuing to develop both its China manufacturing base and its cultivation of local talents. Staff have also continued to be entitled to promotion packages and rewards for outstanding performance. As an approved multi-national, 3M now also faces a number of new opportunities in areas identified as key investment sectors by the Chinese government. These include projects in the electric power, transportation, telecommunications and automotive industries. With trading history of more than 100 years, 3M is confident it has more than enough experience to weather the current international difficulties. Previous recessions, it says, have proved opportunities for the company to expand. It sees the current situation as no exception and is confident that its tried and test management model, coupled with excellent cash resources, will ensure its future prosperity.

Source: China Daily