ST. PAUL, MN -- 3M's Electro and Communications business unit reported fourth-quarter sales rose 4.6% year-on-year, driven by electronics-related businesses in Asia.

The company reported revenue of $628 million for the period ended Dec. 31. Sales increased 1.4% in local currency; currency translation added 3.9% to sales in the quarter.

Operating income increased 34% to $118 million, with margins of 18.8%.

For the year, sales were down 19.7% to $2.3 billion. Full-year operating income was $333 million, with operating margins of 14.6%.

Electro and Communications includes the company's flexible printed circuit board fabrication, connectors, tapes and films for electrical use, and certain other businesses. 3M does not break out the revenue of its flex circuit group, but most estimates peg that business at greater than $300 million annually.

The company said commercial construction and telecom infrastructure industries remain challenging.

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