3M, described as a global science-based company that inspires creative collaboration, said it has begun construction of its largest manufacturing facility in the MEA (Middle East and Africa) region, which will be located in Dammam.

The announcement was made during the groundbreaking ceremony held in the Dammam Third Industrial City.

Spread over 50,000 sq m, 3M’s manufacturing facility will be built in three phases over a span of five years.

By 2020, 3M aims to manufacture locally products related to air quality, identity management, oil and gas, corrosion protection as well as products related to infrastructure and health-care markets.

Initially covering the needs of the Saudi local market, 3M’s manufacturing facility will be developed to become a regional source of supply for other countries in the MEA region.