3M Prairie du Chien Plant

Greetings from 3M Prairie du Chien

3M is a global innovation company that never stops inventing. Over the years, we have worked to improve daily life for hundreds of millions of people all over the world. We have made driving at night easier, made buildings safer, and made consumer electronics lighter, less energy-intensive and less harmful to the environment. We even helped put a man on the moon.

Every day at 3M, one idea always leads to the next, igniting momentum to make progress possible around the world.

3M Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

History of 3M Prairie du Chien

In 1964, 3M began manufacturing in Prairie du Chien when it purchased the Burgess Cellulose Company.

In 1967, construction was completed on a second manufacturing facility where home care (Scotch-Brite™) products would be manufactured.

The addition of an automated “high rise” distribution center was completed and operational in 1983.

In 1992, one additional manufacturing building was constructed to produce the Scotch-Brite™ Never Rust™ Soap Pads.

In 1996, 3M Prairie du Chien became one common site under the Abrasives Manufacturing Organization (AMO).

A decision to transfer the laminate sponge processes to 3M Tonawanda (New York) in June 2001 led to the closure of the original building. The remaining products and employees moved to the other two buildings. Today, the Crawford County Administration building sits on the former Building 1 site.

The first building constructed by 3M has experienced two physical expansions: an expansion beyond the distribution center and an addition for increased manufacturing capabilities. The facility has embraced the Lean Six Sigma methodology as a business model and is constantly seeking opportunities to increase productivity and material flow while maintaining a high level of employee morale.

The plant currently has approximately 535,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and warehouse space under one roof on 60 acres of land.

3M Prairie du Chien has received numerous awards over the years, including the Western Wisconsin Employer of Choice Award in 2006. Our facility was recognized as a company that has success in attracting and retaining its employees. We recognize that opportunity and innovation are keys to employee retention along with a safe and clean work environment.

We celebrated our 50th year anniversary in 2014 with many events designed to thank our employees, retirees, and local business partners.

Read more about plant history

In the Plant

Technologies

As a Fortune 500 company, 3M is recognized for our worldwide research and development expertise. Our innovations spring from more than 40 technology platforms that have made us the global leader in major markets. At the Prairie du Chien plant, we specialize in producing these core technologies:

- Abrasives (Ab)

- Non-wovens (Nw)

- Acoustical Control (Ac)
Products & Services

At our plant, we make a variety of products for several 3M divisions, including:

Abrasives Systems Division

- Surface conditioning products

Automotive Division

- Acoustical insulation

Commercial Services Division

- Vinyl matting

- Traction enhancement

- Fibers

- Carpet care chemicals

- Matting

- Scrubbers

Construction & Home Improvement Markets Division

- Sanding screens

- Surface conditioning products

- Sanding sponges

Consumer Health Care Division

- Personal care products

In the Community

3M Prairie du Chien Life

Prairie du Chien, population 6000, is located in scenic Southwest Wisconsin at the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers, where picturesque ravines and valleys separate steep, wooded bluffs. Metropolitan areas within a 60-90 mile radius of the plant include LaCrosse and Madison, Wisconsin, and Dubuque, Iowa.

Prairie du Chien is a destination spot for history buffs and a constant flow of motorcyclists enjoy riding the undulating hills of the Mississippi Valley. La Rivere Park is a 300-acre park that provides 50 to 60 miles of horseback riding and hiking trails. Just across the Mississippi River is Effigy Mounds National Monument, which contains 2,526 acres with 206 mounds, including 31 of which are effigies, and 14 miles of hiking trails. The Prairie du Chien area is truly a hunting, fishing and boating paradise.

The Wacouta Aquatic Park features an outdoor swimming pool with a water slide and is open from May through Labor Day. Hoffman Hall Sports Complex boasts an indoor, heated, Olympic-sized swimming pool, full-sized basketball count and other opportunities for physical exercise.

Golf enthusiasts may choose from two local golf courses, and a number of ball diamonds are found within the city.

For the second consecutive year, Crawford County was named one the 100 Best Communities for Young People across America—large and small, rural and urban—to live and grow up.
3M Prairie du Chien Community Involvement

3M Prairie du Chien is an active supporter of educational, health, social services and numerous other programs in the area through contributions and employee and retiree volunteers.

Donations

- Opportunity Center

- American Cancer Society Relay for Life

- Faith in Action

- Wisconsin Badger Camp

- Elkader Opera House

- Fort Crawford Museum

- United Way

- Food Pantry

- Prairie du Chien Public Library

- Effigy Mounds National Monument

- MathCounts

- Prairie du Chien Police Department

- Prairie du Chien Fire Department

- Project Lead the Way

Volunteerism

- MathCounts

- Reality Check

- Coaching

- Living Lands & Water River Clean Up

- Chamber of Commerce

- Community Firefighters

- Mississippi River Sculpture Park

- United Way

Contact 3M Prairie du Chien Plant

Phone

(608) 326-2466

Address

3M Prairie du Chien
801 N. Marquette Road
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821

3M Prairie du Chien Plant

In the Plant

In the Community

3M Prairie du Chien Life

3M Prairie du Chien Community Involvement

Contact 3M Prairie du Chien Plant