3M Aberdeen Plant

History of 3M Aberdeen

3M has led the world in innovation and manufacturing since 1902. After 72 years of dedication to innovation and quality, 3M needed expanded production of disposable respirators to address the growing national concerns about the hazards posed by inhaling certain dusts and fumes. In 1974, 3M opened a 20,000-square-foot plant in Aberdeen to fill that need and immediately broke ground on a new building site. One year later, 3M Aberdeen moved operations into the new building.

After more than 40 years of operation, five building expansions, and numerous product additions, we continue to exceed customer expectations by producing quality products and services in a safe, efficient, innovative manufacturing environment with employees who participate in the workplace and the community.

Key Historic Milestones for 3M Aberdeen

• 3M Aberdeen came to the rescue for the people of eastern Washington State immediately following the Mt. St. Helens eruption on May 18, 1980. 3M Aberdeen's respirator masks would serve a vital role in helping the victims and survivors to breathe more comfortably and to be able to endure the volcanic dust, ash and debris.
• OSHA recognized 3M Aberdeen for its role in providing respirators to the rescue/cleanup efforts immediately following the tragedy at the Twin Towers. When tragedy hit New York City on 9/11/01, 3M Aberdeen responded immediately by sending respirators to New York City within 24 hours. 3M Aberdeen would also be called upon again within a few weeks of 9/11 to supply respirators to protect against the threat of Anthrax against U.S. government agencies.
• 3M Aberdeen ramped up its production of respirators when the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus hit Asia and North America. Aberdeen respirators were supplied to countries all around the world during the epidemic outbreak of SARS in 2003.
• In 2005, 3M Aberdeen was called upon to help stop the spread of Avian Flu, also known as the Bird Flu. Strong demand kept the plant running 24 hours and 7 days a week until the threat would be eliminated. Later, during the summer of 2005, Hurricane's Katrina and Rita would strike the southern central United States, and 3M Aberdeen was able to help by providing respirators to the affected states in their cleanup efforts.
• In 2009, 3M Aberdeen employees worked around the clock, 24 hours/7 days a week for approximately 12 months to produce high quality, economical filtering facepiece respirators to respond to the H1N1 (also known as Swine Flu) outbreak. During this outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released interim recommendations for facemask and respirator use to help reduce novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus transmission. Its website included a picture of one of the respirators manufactured by 3M Aberdeen as an illustration of a NIOSH-approved respirator. 3M’s respirator meets the N95 standard, which means the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) tested and approved it to have a filtration efficiency not less than 95 percent of airborne particles.
• In 2014 Ebola struck, and 3M Aberdeen responded. Africa battled Ebola and 3M Aberdeen provided product to help, running 24-7 to get product to the people who needed it. In addition 3M came forward with a donation of 1 million respirators (made in 3M Aberdeen). 3M donated the product to the African organizations most needing support.
• Similarly, when the Middle East and Asia struggled to control their outbreak of MERS in 2015, 3M Aberdeen stepped up to the plate to help. Our teams rallied to provide the 3M respiratory products that protect and keep communities and families safe.