3M Cumberland Plant

History of 3M Cumberland

The following is from a 1986 article, reflecting on the origins of 3M becoming part of the community of Cumberland:
 

“In early 1949, a delegation from the Cumberland Civic Club journeyed to St. Paul to extol the virtues of their community to executives of 3M, a company they knew was on the move.  The people in this delegation asked 3M to establish a branch manufacturing plant in the city and, in May, the company announced that it intended to do just that.

The announcement set off a spontaneous celebration in the community.  The fire siren wailed loud and long, the high school band staged an impromptu parade down the main thoroughfare, and an ever growing line of citizens fell in behind.  In response to a “Help Wanted” ad run in the “Cumberland Advocate,” more than 700 area men and women turned out to apply for jobs.  The community’s fervor exploded again on April 28, 1950 when the plant structure was officially dedicated. More than 3,000 persons attended the ceremonies in which Lou Bohn, 3M Cumberland’s first plant manager, accepted the keys to the building. That same week, the “Cumberland Advocate” published a special, four page section welcoming 3M to its city.  This section carried a full page advertisement from 3M in which it was stated that the company was looking forward to becoming a neighbor in Cumberland, and to “many years of pleasant association in the community.”  A pleasant association and many years it has been too, the community and 3M, working together.

Manufacturing operations started up in May, in the municipally constructed building which 3M subsequently purchased from the city in 1960.  Initially, that building provided 67,000 square feet of manufacturing area, and this was expanded by another 13,200 square feet in 1953.  The annual payroll reached $1 million that year, too. Later, 3M leased space in several locations in Cumberland and Rice Lake to use for warehousing.  This freed up more space in the plant for additional manufacturing operations.

The plant facility was expanded again, in 1960, adding still another 38,500 square feet.  The last expansion saw the construction of a 22,500 square-foot warehouse building in 1980.”
 

3M Cumberland Timeline

The story of 3M Cumberland is one of industry and the community sharing in mutual growth and progress:

1950 3M leased a 67,000 square foot building from the city.

1953 There is a 13,200 square foot addition to the facility.

1960 3M purchased the building plus approximately eight acres of land, and the building was expanded by 38,700 square feet.

1980 A 22,500 square foot warehouse was added, bringing the total size to 141,360 square feet.

1982 3M purchased approximately 3 acres from Chicago and Northwestern Transportation Company.

2013 The plant is designated as Lean Model Plant for 3M Company.

2014 Approximately 3 acres is purchased from the Cumberland School District.

2015 The plant celebrates its 65th anniversary.

History of 3M Cumberland Plant Managers

1950-1975               Lou Bohn 

1975-1984               Rolly Meier

1984-1988               Mike Denoma

1988-1991               Ron Sampson

1991-1995               Mike Nolan

1995-2000               Cal Pearson

2000-2003               Brig Knott

2003-2005               Trevor Bilicke

2006-2012               Tom Harris

2012-2015               Mark Ratzlaff

2015- Present         Paul Quam