Clinton, Tenn. – Eastern Tennessee elected leaders, members of The Manufacturing Institute, the education and workforce partner of the National Association of Manufacturing and Walmart executives joined 3M leadership today to celebrate a shared commitment to create jobs in the U.S. and invest in the diverse, skilled workforce of the future. The event took place during Manufacturing Month, which spotlights advancements and career opportunities in U.S. manufacturing.
3M was founded 117 years ago in Minnesota and has operations across 29 states with almost 20,000 U.S. manufacturing employees (93,000 employees globally). As a science-based company, 3M uses its technologies to create products that advance businesses, enhance homes and improve lives.
3M’s Clinton facility manufactures a range of products, including Filtrete™ indoor and air cleaning filters and 3M™Thinsulate™ automotive acoustic insulation. The 772,000 square foot facility employs 125 Tennesseans, with more than 100 added during the previous year.
“We’re delighted to join together with 3M and Walmart in celebrating the job growth that these two companies have brought to Clinton,” said Clinton Mayor Scott Burton. “We’re proud we are making products that help deliver cleaner air to homes and for the automotive industry here in our community.”
3M is a longtime leader in sustainability and recently announced bold new goals for renewable energy use, advancing the circular economy, and embedding sustainability in all new products. Together with its employees, customers, partners, governments and communities, 3M is committed to a science-based, collaborative approach to solving shared global challenges and improving lives.
3M received Gold Level recognition as a responsible supplier by EcoVadis in their global corporate social responsibility rankings and has been recognized for six consecutive years as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies (Ethisphere Institute).
“We’re pleased to be part of the Clinton community, to support the growth and sustainability of this vibrant area,” said Jolene Conard, VP and General Manager of 3M Construction & Home Improvement Markets division. “Today we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate local manufacturing and the creation of jobs with our retail partner Walmart along with our employees, local officials, educational partners, and community leaders.”
3M today also announced donations to two local educational initiatives to highlight their shared commitment to encouraging careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) to support a diverse pipeline of talent for generations to come. The grants were made to NeXxus, a student-led organization at the University of Tennessee connecting women to supply chain careers, and Tennessee College of Applied Technology, a partner in training the manufacturing workforce of the future.
Walmart and 3M leadership, along with State Rep. John Ragan-R, Dist. 33 TN, Clinton Mayor Scott Burton, Vice Mayor Rob Herrell, area county commissioners and Carolyn Lee with The Manufacturing Institute toured the company’s Clinton facility. The event highlighted how the two companies with a shared vision work together, innovating for their customers, pursuing sustainable practices and helping create job opportunities that command higher skills and help fuel economic growth.
“At Walmart, more than 80 percent of our customers have told us where our products come from matters to them because supporting job creation is important,” said Scott Gutche, senior director of U.S. Manufacturing, Sourcing. “We value what they tell us, and that’s why almost two-thirds of what we buy is sourced, grown or manufactured here at home. Customer feedback was also a key reason why, seven years ago, we committed to invest an additional $250 billion over 10 years in goods that support the creation of American jobs.”
Today’s tour of 3M’s Clinton facility also served to highlight Manufacturing Month. Led by The Manufacturing Institute, the education and workforce partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, MFG Day (Oct. 4 and throughout the month) was first established in 2012 by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International. Events have since grown to encompass the entire month and give manufacturers the opportunity to address the skills gaps, connect with future generations, update the public perception of manufacturing and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the industry as a whole. Walmart is proud to be a Platinum-Level sponsor of MFG Day 2019.
“With more than half a million open jobs right now and 4.6 million that will need to be filled by 2028, manufacturers are looking for the best and brightest to join them,” said Manufacturing Institute Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Throughout October, manufacturers across the country are opening their doors to open more minds about the possibility of a career in modern manufacturing. 3M and Walmart are leaders in this campaign to grow the workforce of tomorrow by connecting with the next generation and sharing manufacturers’ call: “Creators Wanted.’”
About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. Our 93,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews.
About Walmart in Tennessee
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices. Each week, over 260 million customers and members visit our more than 11,600 stores under nearly 60 banners in 28 countries and eCommerce websites. In Tennessee, we serve customers at 153 retail units and online through Walmart Grocery Pickup, Walmart.com and Jet.com. We are proud to employ 40,598 associates in Tennessee. Walmart supports local businesses, spending $3.5 billion with Tennessee suppliers in FY 2018, which supported 54,078 supplier jobs. Learn more at corporate.walmart.com, and our Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram channels.
3M Contact:
Jennifer Ehrlich
651-592-0132
jehrlich@mmm.com
Walmart Contact:
Cole Miracle
615.259.4000
cmiracle@mpf.com
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