3M today announced the availability of its first 300mm Horizontal Wafer Shipper solution at SEMICON West, in San Francisco. The 300mm Horizontal Wafer Shipper from 3M is the industry's first to offer an optional seal to reduce corrosion, decrease contamination and reduce moisture vapor transmission. In addition to being cost efficient, the 300mm Horizontal Wafer Shipper is compatible with automated equipment, which is essential when handling 300mm wafers.

"Customers are looking to benefit from the larger and thinner 300mm wafer technology which offers significant operational efficiencies with 225 percent more surface area," said Becky Stroh, business manager, 3M Industrial Services and Solutions Division. "Shipping these fragile and increasingly valuable wafers is a significant challenge. Our unique design incorporates several new features for longer shelf life, automation efficiency, wafer protection and cost savings."

The wafer market has seen dramatic increases in demand for 300mm wafers. In fact, according to a report from Wafer Trends Inc., the demand for 300mm wafers has more than doubled in the last three years. In addition, the number of 300mm wafers produced and shipped is expected to increase to 11.5 million in 2006, up from 7.5 million in 2004, according to SEMI's Silicon Manufacturing Group (SMG) 2003 Consensus Forecast.

Through its world-class innovation, 3M has developed a more robust wafer shipping solution with new features and functionality, including nesting capabilities that enable secure inventory, ergonomic handling to support worker safety and secure latch features that keep the shipper locked during transportation but enables it to open easily upon delivery.

The cost of creating high-quality 300mm wafers is significant, and manufacturers need to carefully manage handling and shipping costs, while helping to assure safe delivery of their products. 3M's solution also has an innovative seal technology, which may even eliminate the need for a secondary barrier bag. The 300mm Horizontal Wafer Shipper from 3M also features structural integrity that helps protect wafers from shock and vibration, while guarding them from electrostatic discharge.

The 300mm Horizontal Wafer Shipper from 3M joins a suite of complete wafer transport solutions designed to optimize the entire packing and shipping process by addressing issues affecting freight cost, product protection, waste management and environmental impact. 3M's worldwide network for implementation and support can help a global manufacturer with standardization of processes and materials across their global supply chain. Along with 3M's professional services, analytical capabilities and decades of experience addressing the many challenges of product and component transport, customers can increase efficiencies while driving down wafer transport cost.

"Our commitment to developing world-class wafer transport system solutions is demonstrated by the introduction of our 300mm Horizontal Wafer Shipper," said Takehiko Nakamura, product manager, 3M Industrial Services and Solutions Division. "As an added benefit, 3M's global implementation and support services are available to assist wafer manufacturers in addressing all these issues and more, in their drive to compete in the worldwide semiconductor market."

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 Vikuiti. 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.

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3M, St. PaulRon Wenaas, 651-736-7918www.3m.com/profile/pressbox/media_contacts.jhtmlorSnow CommunicationsKaty Tanghe, 612-337-0740ktanghe@cybersnow.com