3M announces the launch of a collection of breakthrough digital projectors, bringing leading edge design and styling to the projector category. The new projectors were created through a union of the 3M Visual Systems Division, 3M's Design Center of Excellence and Pininfarina, which is considered the international name in Italian industrial design. The projectors will surprise and capture the attention of viewers, enhancing the image of both the presenter and the presentation.

Designed by Pininfarina Extra, the industrial design division of the Pininfarina Group, the new projectors successfully merge shape, function and innovation to satisfy a wealth of needs from domestic use for home theater to presentations in large meeting rooms. With their soft ergonomic design; light materials; and simple elegant colors, they will turn presentations into a true art form.

"We collaborated with Pininfarina to break away from a very cluttered market. Our newest projectors bring a sense of style and image to the meeting room," says Ron Scott, marketing director, 3M Visual Systems. "What we have achieved is distinct product differentiation in a category crowded with similar products by introducing a line of digital projectors that for the first time bridges the gap between design and function, combining aesthetic value and technical excellence."

Highlights in the collection include the Bravo and Encore projectors. The Bravo series captures attention before the presentation even begins with its soft, sweeping lines and distinctive contour. A swivel base attachment provides a simple and smooth pedestal designed for quick setup and easy positioning of the projector image.

The Encore series achieves more essential elegance with clear, upright lines and a single color, with a pearly appearance that triggers unexpected light patterns on a linear surface. A single curious eye stands out on a clean face, making the front view of this machine eye-catching. It features curved surfaces to control reflections and a one-touch pedestal stand for easy setup.

Pininfarina is known for bringing the application of the latest scientific and engineering achievements to the creation of beautiful everyday objects, including the Ferrari, for over 70 years.

"Our cultural and industrial roots in the automotive world and in many other sectors of industrial design are undoubtedly strengths that complement the world of high-technology. The new line of 3M digital projectors adds technical innovation to the elegance that characterizes Pininfarina design," says Paolo Pininfarina, chairman and CEO, Pininfarina Extra. "Bravo and Encore are the first results of a strategic alliance with 3M that will give rise to a series of original, innovative collections that marry American technology with the creative strength of Italian design."

The complete range of new 3M Digital Projectors designed by Pininfarina Extra can be viewed at www.3m.com/meetings.

About the 3M Design Center of Excellence

The 3M Design Center of Excellence was created in 2002 as a way to focus new effort on a design-based approach to product development and embrace design as an intrinsic component of 3M's innovative products. The center, located in Milan, serves as a strategic catalyst for merging the creative and technical talents from 3M and those from the community, including design houses, design research centers and universities.

About 3M -- A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include icons such as Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Dyneon. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

3M, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Dyneon are trademarks of 3M.

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