3M welcomes hundreds of guests for 35th anniversary open house

Deputy Dan Miller, of the Vernon County Sheriff's Office, represented one of the local organizations who joined in the festivities at 3M's open house on Saturday.

By Colette Lefebvre-Davis

Nevada Daily Mail

Nevada's 3M plant manager Dave Clauss greeted more than 1,500 guests by 11 a.m., on Saturday, Oct. 7, in an open house commemorating the facility's 35th year in operation. Clauss handed each community member an information booklet to direct them on the self-guided tour. Neither cameras nor cellular phones were allowed, some muttered to themselves that they hoped it was adequate to simply shut them off.

According to Gregg Poe, the plant engineer, that's because "our equipment is proprietary."

3M was very strict on that policy, so much so that even a reporter was eyed with caution.

Many of 3M's employees have worked with the company since it opened in Nevada in 1971. But, after 35 years, it's quickly becoming a generational concept. Old and new employees shook hands with Clauss as they entered. The tour was approximately 1.3 miles and over the course, each participant received a goodie bag, filled with some of 3M's products, such as masking tape, craft stick glue and more.

A note inside the bag cited, "Thank you for visiting the 3M Nevada Plant and helping us celebrate our 35th anniversary!"

Once participants completed the tour they were treated to hotdogs, hamburgers and chips provided by 3M, for the community. The grills were manned behind the warehouse, by 3M employees, who donated their time.

Clauss wanted to achieve a community interaction and a welcoming employee appreciation, he said.