It has been an impressive year for 3M, which has strengthened its brand in many areas and in doing so has increased its brand value by 18%. The company has continued to win accolades for its environmental record, especially in pollution prevention, and its commitment to staff. But it is innovation that separates 3M from the pack — a territory 3M has strongly reclaimed in the past year. Its strong R&D culture delivers a wide range of products that meet customer needs across both B2B and B2C audiences, and improve the environment (the company ranked #12 in Interbrand’s Best Global Green Brands 2012). Reinforced by consistent and effective brand communications, 3M continues to build trust and respect among customers — earning the company leading global market positions in each of its business areas, where a closer connection has been achieved between strong product brands and the 3M corporate brand. In 2011, 3M launched a new R&D facility in India, slated to bring in significant revenue within the next five years. And despite the recession, 3M managed a sales increase in the first quarter of 2012, making the future look very bright indeed under new CEO, Inge Thulin.