3M expecting double-digit growth
MIAMI, Fla. – 3M Marine saw double digit growth in 2002 and is expecting to see the same level of growth this year, said Joe Parks, marketing operations manager for the 3M Marine and Specialty Vehicle Department, in an interview at the International Boatbuilders Exposition & Conference (IBEX) last week.
Parks credits much of this growth to a decision after a challenging year in 2001 to invest in growing its marine business rather than cutting back.
Getting involved in boat design
One change the marine division is undergoing now is an effort to get more involved in the boat design process, said Parks.
The company has moved five people with experience in vehicle design from its automotive division to its marine business, he explained. These employees can help current or potential boat builder customers find ways to improve theie boat building processes.
In addition, 3M has conducted focus groups with boat owners to determine how it can help make boating more enjoyable, according to Parks.
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— Liz Walz