3M Saudi Arabia, a recognized leader in research and development, announced recently the opening of a fully operational office in Jeddah, in line with 3M MEA extensive growth plans for the Middle East and Africa region. The new local facility was inaugurated by Osama Hammoudeh, Managing Director, 3M Saudi Arabia. The opening of this facility reaffirms 3M's commitment to deliver the required technical and scientific training and support to the Saudi Arabian customers, and is an effort to establish a local presence in the western region which represents a key growth opportunity for all players in the market. Hammoudeh said “this announcement marks the expansion of our operations in the region and is a reflection of the increasing acceptance of 3M technologies, reinforcing our overall growth in the Middle East and globally. Saudi Arabia is one of 3M's strategic markets in the Middle East and Africa region, and the expansion is a manifestation of our commitment towards the Saudi end users of our technologies and products.” “The decision to move ahead with the Saudi expansion phase is a viable stepping stone for 3M's foray into the Saudi market, given its dynamic economy ripe with vast opportunities,” he added. 3M Saudi Arabia's new branch in Jeddah will serve as the scientific arm complimenting the research endeavors of the key 3M business unit portfolios, as recently announced during the realignment of its major business groups, to better serve global markets and customers. The Global 3M corporate new structure now comprises of five business groups: Consumer (2011 global sales of $4.2 billion), Industrial ($9.6 billion), Health Care ($5.0 billion) and two newly formed business groups: Safety & Graphics ($5.5 billion), and Electronics & Energy ($5.7 billion). Previously, the company operated six major businesses. The new structure seeks to infuse fresh investments while simultaneously introducing tailor-made innovations relevant for the specific needs of the industries operating in the region. — SG
