3M and Shale-Inland recently announced they have entered into a five-year commercialization agreement to offer new product solutions for advancing the development of protective and decorative films in the global primary metal and metal fabrication markets. 3M’s expertise in material science technology platforms reportedly combines to drive disruptive innovation in the marketplace, while Shale-Inland brings expertise in steel and aluminum distribution, stainless steel polishing, stamping, and fabrication.

“We welcome the opportunity to gain first-hand customer insight from this agreement with Shale-Inland,” said Mike Roman, vice president of Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division for 3M. “The global metals market exceeds $2 trillion in annual revenue. We feel this market is vastly underserved when it comes to technological advances in coatings, adhesives and reflectivity.”

“It’s an exciting time for both companies and we are extremely pleased to have 3M’s technological innovation supporting the Shale-Inland companies,” said Craig Bouchard, chairman and CEO of Shale-Inland. “3M is the best technology firm in the world. We will be moving forward aggressively on a number of projects that will be announced in 2012.”

For more information, visitwww.3m.comorwww.shale-inland.com.