3M Tape – Western Container Corporation
3M, which is actually a brand of tape rather than a type of tape, currently dominates the industry. This tape supplier is producing every kind of tape that is on the market today. Their innovation and dedication to improving their products for a global market keeps 3M expanding.
The success of Scotch® and Masking® Tape sparked hundreds of other tape products by 3M. Currently, they produce duct tape, marking tape, vinyl and polyethylene tape, slick surface tape, protective tape, foil tape, cloth and glass cloth tape, polyester tape, specialized tape, dispensers, applicators and accessories.
Tape accessories include items such as non-stick scissors, glue adhesives, mounting squares, laminating supplies and paper cutters. 3M has expanded its market to provide adhesive solutions for every industry imaginable, including automotive, communications, electronics, health care, manufacturing, mail shipping and offices.
Scotch Tape®, which is arguably the most well known 3M product, was invented in the nineteen twenties. It used the then-new transparent material cellophane to make a versatile adhesive used in the home and office.
Originally, it was produced for sealing products protected by cellophane and the adhesive was only applied to the outer edges. As the tape grew in popularity and was used for other applications, the adhesive was spread to cover the whole strip of on side.
3M Tape – Western Container Corporation
Masking Tape®, the predecessor of Scotch Tape®, was invented at Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company by the same 3M employee. In the nineteen twenties, two-toned cars became very popular.
In order to make them, one portion of the car had to be covered while the other was painted. At that time, no product existed that could protect the initial paint job while keeping the cover secure. Dick Drew, a 3M employee, invented Masking Tape® to alleviate this common automotive issue.
Recent innovations from 3M include Post-it® Super Sticky Notes and Scotch® transparent duct tape, both of which are as wildly popular as the products 3M has been putting on the market for years.
From a company like this, the industrial and commercial markets, as well as individuals in the consumer product context have a manufacturer and provider to depend on.