Innovative with materials, design and processes while delivering quality and consistency
In an interview with David Cerny, Regional Sales & Marketing Manager, Government Markets, 3M D-A-CH Region, Mönch was informed about the company, technology, and future growth.
Mönch: What is it about 3M’s key capabilities that make the level of achievement you have sustainable for today’s military customer?
D. Cerny: The core strengths at 3M reside in our ability to be innovative with materials, design and processes while delivering quality and consistency for every individual product. Ceradyne, Inc., a 3M company, has successfully delivered over 130,000 enhanced combat helmets (ECH) to the US Army and Marine Corps since 2014. Moreover, Ceradyne was recently awarded a contract for the next generation ballistic helmet for the US Army Soldier Protection System (SPS). This is a testament for achievement of the highest level in helmet technology.
Mönch: How do you deal with countries that require offset, i.e. do you offer transfer of technology?
D. Cerny: Currently, 3M does not have any off-set requirements from our helmet customers. The technology involved in developing or manufacturing these items is a matter of national security and foreign policy; and there are controls over the transfer of associated technical data to foreign destinations and persons. 3M complies with all applicable export, import, and trade compliance laws wherever 3M does business.
Mönch: In terms of the future growth and sustainment of your products, what would your priority goals be?
D. Cerny: At 3M, it is a critical part of our strategy to be looking into the future for growth and sustainability opportunities. With increasing global exposure to high-powered weapons and explosive devices, we believe our entrusted guardians deserve the best protection the power of science can deliver. 3M leads in state-of-the-art threat protection solutions with extensive expertise in advanced lightweight materials that withstand multiple threats, such as blunt impact, bomb fragmentation, small arms and hand gun bullet projectiles.
Mönch: How much percentage do you put into research and development (R&D)?
D. Cerny: Our R&D is the heartbeat of 3M. We invest about five to six percent of our sales back into the science that makes 3M strong. That investment helps to produce more than 3,000 patents each year, and a steady stream of unique products for our customers.
Mönch: What will happen at 3M in the next year? Are there some key messages to our readership that you would like to address?
D. Cerny: 3M will be heavily involved in producing ballistic helmets for multiple military and law enforcement agencies around the world. Combined with our proven production history, our helmet offering is differentiated by superior performance-to-weight ratio, high quality, consistency, and ability to deliver. 3M is capable of achieving the most challenging requirements from the most demanding customers.
Mönch: Thank you.
