3M Touch Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of 3M Company, today announces an agreement to sell all manufacturing equipment assets located in its Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada production facility to Touch International, Inc., a Texas-based company. This equipment has primarily been used for manufacturing 3M’s Specialty Resistive touch screen product line, which is currently in the final stages of an end-of-life program. This equipment transfer will not affect 3M Touch Systems’ currently scheduled Specialty Resistive product deliveries to existing 3M customers as committed to in Last Time Buy arrangements made through the end of August, 2007.
According to this agreement, after September 1, 2007, Touch International may utilize this equipment to produce similar resistive products, as well as hire former 3M Touch Systems manufacturing employees to staff the Vancouver operation. The result of this equipment sale agreement should provide an additional sourcing option for former 3M Specialty Resistive customers, as well as employment opportunities for some former 3M Touch Systems Vancouver employees.
3M Touch Systems will continue to manufacture touch sensor products in its Methuen, MA and Milwaukee, WI facilities, and remains committed to offering customers innovative touch interface solutions based on its capacitive-base technology platform as well as new and emerging technology platforms. 3M Touch Systems solutions include MicroTouch capacitive sensors, MicroTouch EX II controllers and firmware, MicroTouch MT 7 touch drivers and software, a wide array of MicroTouch-brand chassis and general-use touch monitors, the MicroTouch DST System (based on Dispersive Signal Technology) for large-format interactive digital signage, and the recently-introduced MicroTouch Flex Capacitive sensor for handheld and mobile electronic devices.
About Touch International, Inc.
Founded by industry veterans, Touch International, Inc. is a privately-held, worldwide supplier of high-quality touch screen components. Through its expanded manufacturing facilities, Touch International is able to offer a wide variety and rapid delivery of lower-priced, high-reliability products, based on customer needs and specifications. Touch International is headquartered in Austin, with seven factories strategically placed around the globe, and additional sales and support offices on four continents. For more information, please visit: www.TouchIntl.com
About 3M Touch Systems, Inc.
3M Touch Systems Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of 3M, operates globally and reports through 3M Display & Graphics Business, headquartered in St. Paul, Minn. For more information visit www.3M.com/touch.
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 around the world, the people of 3M 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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Touch InternationalPublic Relations:Anne Ahola-Ward, 512-646-0310aahola-ward@touchintl.comor3MPublic Relations:Lorin Robinson, 651-733-6582http://www.3m.com/PressContactFor all other inquiries, visit www.3M.com/touch
