3M was founded in 1902 in Two Harbors, Minesota. The five original founders wanted to mine mineral deposits for grinding-wheel abrasives. But the deposits proved to be of little value, so they turned their attention to sandpaper products. In early '20s, they developed the world's first waterproof sandpaper, a development that would set the course for the rest of the century as 3M developed one innovation after another: masking tape, Scotch Cellophane Tape, longer-lasting roofing shingles, Scotchlite Reflective Sheeting for highway markings, magnetic sound recording tape, filament adhesive tape and offset printing plates. In the '50s, 3M developed Scotchgard Fabric Protector, video tape, Scotch-Brite Cleaning Pads and electro-mechanical products. Introductions in the '60s included dry-silver microfilm, carbonless papers, overhead projection systems and medical and dental products. In more recent decades, 3M expanded into pharmaceuticals, radiology, energy control and the office market. Today 3M provides products to virtually every country in the world.

Another venerable American institution is Mack Trucks Inc., which also traces its history back to the beginning of the 20th century. Mack Trucks Inc. is respected the world over for the rugged dependability and performance of its trucks. Now a classic 1920 Mack AC truck is decorated with official 3M graphics in a die-cast model produced by - and available only from - Matchbox Collectibles.

(1999)

Scale: 1:43