The liquid, which can not wet, and science, brought to life: American investor opens a plant in Tatarstan

On October 21 in the SEZ "Alabuga" President Rustam Minnikhanov and and Head of "3M Russia" Robert Nichols gave a symbolic start to the new factory of the world brand - "3M Volga".

TIDA Chief Executive Taliya Minullina:

"We were waiting for this day for over 7 years. (first negotiations Taliya Minullina prepared as a specialist of investment department of Tatarstan Ministry of Economy - fn.)

The groundbreaking ceremony was in 2013, and today the plant is already producing high-tech products - Scotchkote liquid anti-corrosion coatings, which is demanded in the implementation of a world-class oil and gas projects - "The Power of Siberia", "Turkish Stream", "Central Asia-China". It is no coincidence that ceremony was held under the slogan "Science brought to life". In Tatarstan glad to technologies that make life better".

The production line’s expected capacity is 2.5 million liters per year, it will allow company in the near future to fully provide the Russian market with the products of local production - Scotchkote epoxy polymer coatings. With the localization of Scotchkote coatings production in Russia, 3M's leadership take into consideration the Russian Government plans to improve the investment climate in Russia and the transfer of modern technologies to carry out modernization and technological re-equipment of industries.
Scotchkote epoxy resin coating is in the demand on the Russian market and is used in industrial processes in the production of pipes, and in the repair and restoration of oil and gas pipelines in the field. The production line is certified in compliance with all industry requirements, the plant completed commissioning works, produced the first testing products.

During the event 3M has introduced key products. In particular, a liquid where the items are not wet. In a glass of "water"  was a smartphone that did not feel any discomfort and worked normally. "Magic liquid" NOVEC is used for fire protection, including computer equipment and mobile devices.

"Today we are talking about import substitution. The products that will be produced at the plant is very necessary for our petrochemical workers, gas and oil industry. I am sure that the 3M products will be in a demand", - said the President of the Republic of Tatarstan. Later we can continue to cooperate in other areas: engineering, fiber, health and others, said Rustam Minnikhanov.

"We are launching the first line. In the future we plan to work on increasing production volumes and expanding the range of products", - said Robert Nichols.

Top manager thanked the President and the Government of Tatarstan for their full support in implementing the project. TIDA - public authority, the Head of which is part of the Government, supports the project at all stages.

 WHY DID 3M CHOSE TATARSTAN AS A LAUNCHING PAD IN RUSSIA?

"The main factors that determined the choice of the site for the project was the support provided by the government of Tatarstan, in particular Tatarstan Investment Development Agency, leadership of SEZ "Alabuga", as well as customs and tax benefits, infrastructure"- said Robert Nichols in a meeting with TIDA Chief Executive Taliya Minullina in June 2015.

Also, Mr. Nichols emphasized that Russia is a foreground and a perspective market for the company, 3M plans to develop business in Russia, focusing on the phased localization based on development of production in the Republic of Tatarstan.

For reference.

3M - international Industrial Corporation that combines over thirty business lines in electronics, energy, health, security industry. The volume of sales is 30 billion dollars per year; the staff includes 88 thousand people in more than 70 countries.

3M Company was founded by five entrepreneurs in 1902 in the town of Tu Harbors (State of Minnesota, United States).

Among the areas of the corporation - telecommunication systems and electrical products, pharmaceuticals and health care, materials for industry, materials and means to ensure safety.

Respirators and anti-corrosion coatings, along with dental products of the company are the three most sought-after products in the Russian market.

TIDA Press Service, Iskander Ahmedov