3M announced the name of its newly unveiled research and development laboratory. As the 3M Carlton Science Center sets its sights on new ways to innovate and solve challenges around the world, it also recognizes a company scientist who pioneered 3M’s ability to collaborate to develop solutions for customers.
 
Richard P. Carlton, known as 3M’s “architect of innovation,” sponsored 3M’s first Central Research Laboratory in 1937 to explore long- range scientific problems beyond the scope of any one business division. His foresight and innovative thinking are why the prestigious 3M Carlton Society, which recognizes top achievers among the company’s scientists, is named after him.
 
“Research and development is the heartbeat of 3M, and Richard Carlton is one of the early visionary leaders we have to thank for giving us that foundation,” said Ashish Khandpur, 3M SVP of R&D and CTO. “We look forward to the many inventions and customer solutions that are sure to come out of our state-of-the-art facility.”
 
3M unveiled its $150 million R&D building on March 11. The 470,000-square-foot facility will house up to 700 scientists from multiple businesses, giving them more opportunities to collaborate with each other as they combine the company’s 46 technology platforms to create new and useful solutions for customers.