3M Company — Maplewood, Minnesota

Plaintiffs alleged in publicly filed U.S. asbestos personal-injury and wrongful-death litigation that workers at 3M Company (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing) manufacturing and research facilities in Maplewood and the St. Paul metropolitan area of Minnesota sustained occupational asbestos exposure during manufacturing and maintenance operations.

Facility Background

3M Company, headquartered in Maplewood, Minnesota, is one of the largest diversified manufacturing companies in the United States. 3M operated extensive manufacturing and research facilities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Among 3M’s historical products were allegedly asbestos-containing roofing materials, floor tiles, and specialty products manufactured at various company facilities.

Plaintiffs alleged that 3M’s manufacturing operations — which included high-temperature processes, boilers, steam systems, and extensive mechanical infrastructure — involved asbestos-containing insulation and materials in facility construction and maintenance, and that some 3M products themselves allegedly contained asbestos.

Alleged Asbestos Pathways

Plaintiffs alleged in litigation that asbestos exposure occurred through multiple pathways:

  • Facility maintenance and utility systems: Plaintiffs alleged that maintenance workers, pipefitters, and boilermakers working on the steam and process heating systems in 3M’s manufacturing buildings encountered asbestos pipe covering and boiler insulation.
  • Manufacturing of asbestos-containing products: Plaintiffs alleged that workers involved in manufacturing operations that incorporated asbestos as a component material — including some roofing and flooring products — were exposed to asbestos fiber in production areas.
  • Construction and renovation: Plaintiffs alleged that construction workers and outside contractors performing building construction, renovation, and equipment installation at 3M facilities encountered asbestos-containing building materials.
  • Research and laboratory facilities: Plaintiffs alleged that laboratory and research personnel working in older research facilities encountered asbestos-containing materials in laboratory hoods, insulation, and building infrastructure.

Minnesota has a four-year statute of limitations under Minn. Stat. § 541.051(1)(a) for asbestos product liability claims, running from the date of mesothelioma diagnosis. Wrongful death claims carry a three-year limit under Minn. Stat. § 573.02. Hennepin County District Court in Minneapolis and Ramsey County in St. Paul handle most asbestos claims.

Workers who were employed at 3M Company facilities and who have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related disease may have legal remedies available. Contact O’Brien Law Firm at (314) 237-3332 to discuss your work history and legal options at no cost.