SAINT PAUL – In the 50th anniversary year of the first US government-approved 3M filtering facepiece respirator – a precursor to what is now the N95 – 3M will invest $58 million in expanding its plant in Valley, Nebraska for the production of personal protection products.
The 80,000 square foot expansion will create around 50 new jobs at the site.
“Our colleagues at 3M’s Valley plant have played an important role providing critical supplies to frontline workers throughout the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Matt Huset, plant director at 3M Valley. “We’re pleased to announce this investment in our growth in Nebraska which will allow us to further meet demand for personal safety equipment for the United States.”
As part of the expansion, 3M plans to invest in additional production capacity for re-usable elastomeric respirators, as well as Peltor hearing protection products for 3M’s Personal Safety Division. The additional investments and jobs will help increase capacity and reduce manufacturing cycle time to help meet customer demand. The expansion will include new production lines, equipment and a warehouse.
3M is partnering with the state of Nebraska in the expansion through the ImagiNE Nebraska Programme, a tax incentive-based programme intended to encourage companies to invest in Nebraska by creating jobs and growing the state and its economy.
“We are excited for this investment in our growth at 3M Valley to further help customers in need of personal safety protection in two key product portfolios,” said Ray Eby, president, 3M Personal Safety. “We want to thank the state of Nebraska and the NDED for their collaboration so far in this expansion.”
3M acquired the Valley, Nebraska site in 1979 and it employs about 560 people.
