INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS : 3M INDIA : EPISODE 2
3M entered the Indian market in 1988, a journey that began as a joint venture with the Birla Group, at a time when India was just opening up its markets. To date, some people still remember the brand as Birla 3M!
It all started with 3 employees in the basement of Jubilee building on Museum Road in Bengaluru – a humble start to a great future beckoning. In 1988, the company laid the foundation for the manufacturing plant at Electronic city (where the R&D facility also now stands).
On the day of the inauguration, the company faced a major setback when Mr. Ashok Birla and his family met with a tragic accident. Despite the enormous challenges, Birla 3M continued to take joint strides forward. The company was listed on the stock exchange in 1991 and issued its first public shares. Birla subsequently exited the business and in 2001, Birla 3M became known as 3M India Limited. The company slowly took a firm footing and quickly began to ramp up its manufacturing capabilities..
The early ‘90s, was a time when India too was going through change. Liberalization was opening up the country’s economy. It was also the time when cable TV first came to India, and in 1992 3M India beamed its very first TV advertisement for Scotch Brite scouring pads on air, creating a revolutionary awareness in cleaning and home hygiene.
Throughout this 30 year journey, from a basement office, to a modern facility in one of the most iconic office spaces in Bangalore, 3M India has come a long way. Through it all the foundations of 3M’s globally acknowledged culture has remained constant – one based on respect and a strong code of ethics. A culture that resonates in every 3M location, be it in the United States or Japan, Vietnam, Germany or Brazil.
Image Credits : Forbes India (Network 18 Group)
India’s investments in infrastructure initiatives and domestic growth focus, coupled with the aspirations of a growing middle class, have prompted 3M India to be confident in sectors such as consumer, healthcare and safety where they see huge opportunities to contribute in nation building. Through 3M India’s contribution in all these markets, the company is living its vision ‘to advance every company, enhance every home, and improve every life’.
It is the intent of 3M India to outperform market growth in all key strategic segments through portfolio management, and investments in innovation. They will also focus on gaining profitability through value realization efforts.
Incredible Journeys – A Brand & Leadership Series
Through this platform, we are featuring the Brand and its Leadership from inception to glory. Leaders & Brands who with their business acumen and perseverance, have made an impact in shaping up the modern India need to be recognised and felicitated on a national platform. These experiences are not only an inspiration to Indian nationals but a visionary aspiration to global audience. Our show is an amalgamation of an elaborate episodic series on CNBC TV 18 and CNBC Awaaz chronicling the life of such Leaders who are featured through this platform. The concept glues together their journey from inception, creatively weaving a compelling story of their lives in a never-seen-before format on television.
For Feature Participations : corpcomm@gmonlinegroup.com