SHANGHAI—With the opening of its China Design Center, 3M Inc. took another step toward its goal of expanding design solutions to a global market.
The China Design Center in Shanghai is 3M's fifth globally, and better positions the firm to meet the needs of area clients, according to Stephen Shafer, president of 3M for the Greater China Area.
"3M has been committed to the China market for over 30 years by leveraging its advanced technologies to bring innovations to this market that have successfully contributed to the development of the economy and society," Shafer said in a statement. "The opening of the 3M China Design Center enables us to be closer to our customers and better serve the local market needs with more creative, customized and sustainable solutions for the future."
The company also operates design centers in Italy, Japan, India and St. Paul, Minn.
Design, Shafer noted, is essential to innovation. 3M looks to propel market innovation in China by supporting new developments with established scientific and technical 3M solutions.
The open-concept design of the new center is intended to facilitate collaboration and foster creativity, while its proximity to China Research & Development Center, one of 3M's four R&D centers, will build dialogue and early design involvement for increased partnership and customer engagement, 3M said.
"It's exciting to expand and grow 3M Design across the globe," Eric Quint, vice president and chief design officer at 3M, said in a statement. "Cross-functional creative collaboration with colleagues, customers and partners results in relevant and meaningful solutions and a strategic platform that maximizes value by differentiating 3M in the marketplace."
Following the studio opening, 3M Design China will host the first 3M Design Night in China at the HuaXin Meeting Center, where guests can network, share and learn with a panel on "Design for Future Mobility."