3M Acquires Sealed Air Corp.'s Interest in PolyMask Corp.

3M announced today it has acquired Sealed Air Corp.’s 50 percent interest in PolyMask Corp., a joint venture between 3M and Sealed Air that produces protective films. The acquisition of Sealed Air’s interest results in 100 percent ownership by 3M. "PolyMask films are the cornerstone for the 3M protective film products platform,” said Charlie McKenna, business director, 3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division. "As 100 percent owners, we’ll be able to use 3M technologies to expand more quickly into primary and adjacent markets such as electronics, construction, aerospace, marine and automotive with our comprehensive line of industrial adhesives and tapes.” PolyMask protective films feature water-based acrylic adhesives, designed specifically for temporary surface protection of carpets, metals, glass, plastic and wood to guard against scratching, marring, chipping, abrasion and UV during production, packaging, shipping and installation. The tapes are removed by the end-user, which may be a manufacturer or a consumer, depending on the product. "PolyMask complements 3M’s broad market reach and strong technical capability for future product development, as well as its global infrastructure, to increase the possibilities for sales of PolyMask products,” said Jerry Akins, president, PolyMask Corp. Based on more than 50 years experience in practical application of adhesive technology, 3M offers industrial tapes for bonding, protecting, masking, enhancing, shielding, damping, splicing, reinforcing, color coding, case sealing and more. Complementary acquisitions such as this support both 3M’s core business and growth strategy to expand into adjacent markets. The joint venture was formed in 1991. PolyMask employs approximately 105 people at its operations in Conover, N.C. 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 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. Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.