From Filtrete™ Filters and Command™ Strips to 3M™ Acoustic Thinsulate™ and 3M™ Glass Bubbles, the 3M Clinton, Tennessee, facility plays a key role in producing innovative solutions used in homes, vehicles, and industries across the United States.
As part of 3M’s extensive U.S. manufacturing network, the Clinton site employs more than 400 skilled team members and supports a wide range of advanced manufacturing capabilities. The facility produces products serving automotive, consumer, and industrial markets, demonstrating the impact of 3M science across everyday applications and critical industries.
Beyond manufacturing, the Clinton site is also helping shape the future workforce by supporting educational opportunities that introduce students to advanced manufacturing careers.
During the summer, 3M joined local educators and community leaders in Clinton to highlight initiatives designed to expand access to hands-on technical education. These efforts include investments at Anderson County Career & Technical Center and Clinton High School, providing students with opportunities to develop technical skills, work with modern equipment, and explore real-world manufacturing pathways.
By connecting industry expertise with classroom learning, 3M is helping students better understand the possibilities within advanced manufacturing while supporting the development of the next generation of skilled workers.
Strengthening Manufacturing in Clinton
The 3M Clinton plant is an important part of the company’s U.S. manufacturing operations. Employees at the facility manufacture products that support a variety of applications, from improving vehicle comfort and indoor air quality to enhancing consumer convenience and industrial performance.
“At 3M Clinton, we’re proud to be part of 3M’s strong U.S. manufacturing footprint and to create products that people depend on every day,” said Jason Orr, plant director. “Our employees bring exceptional skill, dedication, and innovation to their work. By connecting our manufacturing operations with investments in local education, we are helping students discover opportunities in advanced manufacturing and understand the important role they can play in its future.”
Following the educational events, community leaders toured the 3M Clinton facility to see firsthand the technologies, processes, and people behind local manufacturing careers. The visit demonstrated how technical education and industry partnerships can help prepare students for future opportunities.
Expanding Access to Technical Education
3M’s national Manufacturing & Academic Partnerships (MAP) program supports partnerships between industry and educational institutions to strengthen pathways into advanced manufacturing careers. Through collaborations with organizations including GPS Ed, FESTO, and NC3, the program helps students gain exposure to technical skills aligned with modern manufacturing needs.
At Anderson County Career & Technical Center, MAP is helping expand hands-on learning experiences that connect academic instruction with practical manufacturing applications.
“Investing in our hometown communities is one of the most meaningful ways 3M can create lasting impact,” said Michael Stroik, Vice President, 3M Community Impact. “By supporting technical education in Clinton, we are expanding access to hands-on experiences that connect students with real-world skills and future career pathways. These investments reflect the connection between strong schools, strong communities, and strong manufacturing.”
Through these initiatives, students gain experience with the tools, technologies, and problem-solving approaches used in today’s advanced manufacturing environments.
Creating the Future Makers Lab
In partnership with Heart of America, a nonprofit organization focused on transforming learning environments, 3M converted a classroom at Clinton High School into the Future Makers Lab by 3M. The redesigned space provides students with a modern environment focused on engineering, technical learning, collaboration, and hands-on exploration.
As part of a broader effort to establish Future Makers Labs nationwide, 3M is helping schools create accessible spaces where students can explore manufacturing-related skills, robotics, innovation, and applied technology.
“Career readiness is essential to a student’s education, and the right learning environment helps make those opportunities possible,” said Jill Hardy Heath, President and CEO of Heart of America. “Through our partnership with 3M, we are creating mechatronics labs that provide students with hands-on access to engineering, robotics, and technical skill development. When industry leaders invest alongside schools, they help students envision sustainable and rewarding futures.”
Preparing the Manufacturing Workforce of Tomorrow
Modern manufacturing depends on skilled professionals who can solve complex problems, work with evolving technologies, and respond to changing industry demands. In Clinton, 3M’s investment in technical education reflects the company’s broader commitment to strengthening the communities where it operates.
By connecting schools, industry, and community partners, 3M is helping create clearer pathways for students—from classrooms and laboratories to future careers in advanced manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What products are manufactured at the 3M Clinton plant?
The 3M Clinton facility produces a variety of products serving automotive, consumer, and industrial markets, including 3M™ Acoustic Thinsulate™, Filtrete™ Filters, Command™ Strips, and 3M™ Glass Bubbles.
How many employees work at the 3M Clinton plant?
The Clinton facility has more than 400 skilled employees supporting 3M manufacturing operations.
Why is 3M investing in technical education in Clinton?
3M’s investments are focused on expanding access to hands-on learning opportunities and career pathways in advanced manufacturing. These programs help students develop technical skills and gain exposure to careers connected to modern manufacturing.