ST. PAUL, MN and SINGAPORE – 3M has announced plans to build a new facility in Singapore. The new film coatings plant in Singapore is intended to augment, but not replace, the company's coatings production capacity. The plant will make coatings for 3M's optical LCD film products, window films and automotive product applications. The facility will reportedly be located in the Tuas Industrial Park, and construction on the plant will be completed in 2009.

3M had previously stated that it could reduce up to $1 billion in freight, supply and tax costs by moving specific operations overseas. Last month, the company said that it would move its LCD filmmaking optical systems headquarters to a location in Asia. The company has already constructed a customer innovation center, and the 3M Woodlands facility in Singapore, which manufactures flex circuits and electronic adhesives.

“This investment brings us closer to our customers and creates a regional source of supply, which significantly simplifies our supply chain and helps us respond more quickly to our customers' needs in the fast-growing Asia market,” said Kevin Kuck, vice president.

3M, has reportedly also selected Brazil, Russia, India, China and Poland as locations to build factories.