In a move to expand production of 3M respiratory and hearing protection products, 3M is announcing plans to grow its plant in Valley, Nebraska.
3M is investing approximately US$ 58 million to fund the 80,000 square foot expansion that will create around 50 new jobs at the facility.
Investment in 3M’s Valley plant
“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, the Plant Director at 3M Valley, adding “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 and PELTOR hearing protection products, in 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.
Partnership Via the ImagiNE Nebraska Program
We want to thank the state of Nebraska and the NDED for their collaboration so far in this expansion"
3M is proud to partner with the US state of Nebraska in this expansion, through the ImagiNE Nebraska Program, a tax incentive-based program 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, the President of 3M Personal Safety Division, adding “We want to thank the state of Nebraska and the NDED for their collaboration so far in this expansion.”
3M’s Valley, Nebraska facility
3M acquired the Valley, Nebraska site in 1979 and it employs about 560 people at the facility.
“We are proud to call 3M Valley a neighbor for more than 40 years and are excited to support 3M in its plans to expand its Valley plant and create jobs,” said Anthony L. Goins, the Director at Nebraska Department of Economic Development, adding “The ImagiNE Nebraska Act was specifically made to help companies, such as 3M grow and expand in Nebraska.”
Meeting the demand for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
3M Valley produces most of its products for the 3M Personal Safety Division. 3M Valley played a significant role in helping 3M meet the unprecedented demand for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, the Personal Safety Division of 3M is also celebrating the 50-year anniversary of the first U.S. government-approved 3M filtering face-piece respirator (a precursor to what is now known as the N95), and the 3M E-A-R Classic Ear Plug.