3M, the industry leader in packaging equipment and tapes, announced today its presence at the 2004 PackExpo show, Nov. 7-11 at booth N-3643. Building upon its 35 years of packaging equipment expertise, 3M plans to unveil the latest 3M-Matic packaging equipment, an innovative packaging mailer and hot-melt adhesive technologies.

At the show, 3M will feature a variety of packaging solutions designed to help customers increase efficiency and productivity across all stages of their packaging operations where performance and quality offer competitive advantages. 3M will feature solutions specifically for the food and beverage; appliance; and maintenance, repair and operations markets. New products being announced at the show include 3M-Matic stainless steel case sealing equipment, the 3M AccuGlide 2+ taping head, the 3M-Matic automatic random case sealer 2000rf, the improved 3M-Matic L-Clip applicator S-857, the 3M Easy-Open poly mailer and 3M Jet-melt adhesives.

"3M's market focused approach will help our customers increase productivity and manage costs," said H.C. Shin, vice president, 3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division. "With more than 60 years of packaging industry experience, we strive to provide innovative products that help our customers be more competitive, productive and efficient."

Additional special features at the 3M booth include a replica Dale Earnhardt, Sr., RCR No. 3 GM Goodwrench race car, presented by 3M packaging tape, the official packaging tape of NASCAR. A 3M-Matic case sealer S-609 from 1969 will also be on display as 3M celebrates its 35th anniversary in the packaging equipment business this year.

"When we first purchased our 3M-Matic S-609 case sealer in 1974, we knew that it was a quality piece of equipment, but 30 years of use exceeded our expectations," said Ross Koda, owner of Koda Farms. "The unbeatable durability and reliability of our 3M-Matic packaging equipment has helped us grow our business, and we look to 3M as a trusted partner for our packaging needs."

Combi Packaging Systems LLC, a 3M joint venture company, will be located in booth N-3645 next to the 3M booth N-3643.

3M and its subsidiary, HighJump Software, are scheduled to present educational sessions at the PackExpo conference. Kate Bolseth, director of product strategy at HighJump Software, and Mike Haldane, 3M business manager, will present "Driving Process Improvement Through RFID Process Enablement" on Nov. 9 at 9:55 a.m. Haldane will also present the session "How FDA's CFR Part 11 Guidelines Will Affect Next Generation Rx Packaging" on Nov. 10 at 11:45 a.m.

3M in Packaging

Since the day in 1941 when 3M made its first packaging product - pressure-sensitive tapes to seal K-rations for the U. S. Army - 3M has been a leader in packaging. From those now-famous Scotch brand tapes to high-speed 3M-Matic packaging machinery to integrated packaging management solutions and security assurance products, 3M is an established leader in the industry. As an $18 billion, diversified technology company, 3M holds a unique position as both a top supplier and as a major user of packaging technology. 3M knows packaging - with expertise in issues affecting diverse industries - food and beverage; life sciences consumer packaged goods; electronics and semiconductor; aerospace; communications; computer equipment; and many others. 3M's expertise in packaging can add value to virtually any company's operations and serve needs such as packaging automation, product protection, identification and brand building, security and cost management.

For more information, including detailed releases on 3M's new packaging products, and other product and technology news, visit www.3M.com/packaging .

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 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.

Scotch, 3M-Matic, Jet-melt, AccuGlide, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

3M, St. PaulRon Wenaas, 651-736-7918http://www.3m.com/profile/pressbox/media_contacts.jhtmlorSnow CommunicationsDrea Garrison, 612-746-1717