3M to Lay Off 200 in Massachusetts

3M will cease the manufacture of eye and ear protection devices at its Southbridge, Massachusetts plant, resulting in 200 layoffs by next year.

The jobs will go to other 3M sites globally. Fifty white collar workers will retain their jobs at the site.

The firm announced in April it was cutting 1,200 jobs globally, or 1.5% of its workforce.

3M Company, aka Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, is an American multinational conglomerate. Its 75,000 employees produce thousands of products, including: adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, dental products, electrical materials, electronic circuits and optical films.

3M has operations in more than 60 countries – 29 international companies with manufacturing operations, and 35 with laboratories. 3M products are available for purchase through distributors and retailers in more than 200 countries.