By Digital Output Staff
3M Commercial Solutions Division invited members of the press to its St. Paul, MN-based campus in October for the 3M Discovering Transformation Media Day. Under the guise of seeing the company’s recently installed building wrap on one the tallest structures on campus, attendees learned about 3M’s newest products and solutions through panel discussions, interactive Q&A, facility tours, and hands-on demonstrations. The goal—spark curiosity.
Above: In August, 3M wrapped its main headquarters, which is 12 stories high, to visually depict its new Wonder marketing campaign.
Epic Building Wraps
In August, 3M wrapped its main headquarters building, which is 12 stories high, to visually depict its new Wonder marketing campaign. Two of four sides were wrapped in 3M Controltac Graphic Film, opaque for the windowless surfaces, and 3M Scotchcal Perforated Window Graphic, perforated to cover the windows—totaling nearly 500 individual pieces of film. 3M partnered with The Vomela Companies to create the wrap. The company plans to keep the wrap up for six months to a year.
New Solutions
Of interest was the announcement regarding solutions aided to help 3M’s current and prospective customers grow business. Its 3M Graphics Install Wizard application (app) is designed for graphics manufacturers and installers to connect and manage installation workflow. In addition, the 3M Graphics Hub is focused on acting as a daily go-to resource for graphics manufacturers, providing easy access to tips, industry trends, and the ability to manage their profile and connect with potential customers.
Visitors also learned about new product launches including 3M Gloss Wrap Overlaminate 8418G, which is a highly conformable wrap for compound curves. A thin overlaminate, it is ideal for vehicle and boat wraps, providing a glossy wet paint look and offering a lighter weight compared to previous 3M products.
3M Envision Matte Wrap Overlaminate 8550M is a high-performance, non-PVC matte wrap overlaminate with a sustainability edge that minimizes reflection from lighting and sunshine. It is ideal for textured surfaces, smooth walls, and vehicle wraps.
In the Trenches
Hands-on product demonstrations took place in the 3M Application Center, which is located in the newest building on campus—the Carlton Science Center, built in 2013. Visitors worked with 3M Wrap Film Series 1080 and Knifeless Tapes, learned about the 3M Graphics Install Wizard app, and even applied 3M Envision Print Wrap Film LX 480mC to a number of different rough surfaces.
Every Surface is a Canvas
Throughout the event, 3M aimed to convey the message that “every surface is a canvas.” As Tammi Johnson, business development manager, 3M Commercial Solutions Division, pointed out during the panel discussion as customization and personalization trends continue to grow this idea will be rapidly adopted. 3M plans to remain at the forefront of this movement by sparking curiosity.
Nov2018, Digital Output
