Memo: 3M plans to cut jobs in response to slowing economy

3M Co. plans to eliminate jobs as part of a broader cost-cutting drive in response to the slowing economy, according to internal communications.

The scope of the workforce reduction could not be immediately determined. Michael Vale, head of 3M's safety and industrial division, disclosed the planned cuts in a message to employees of the unit.

"The business can't avoid this tough necessity," he said in the communication, which was reviewed by Bloomberg News.

In the memo, Vale said other parts of the company would see similar actions. 3M, which makes everything from dental adhesives to Post-it notes, employed about 95,000 people at the end of 2021, according to securities filings.

"3M is taking decisive actions to position the company for continued growth, while also adjusting to the challenging macroeconomic environment," the company said in a statement. "As we prioritize our investments and resources, we will be adjusting on an ongoing basis the roles and responsibilities needed for future growth."

The Maplewood-based company also closed on its food safety division spinoff on Thursday, combining the business with Michigan-based Neogen and giving 3M stockholders a controlling stake in the combined companies. 3M exchanged 15 million shares as part of the $5.3 billion spin-off.

"We believe our food safety business will be well-positioned with Neogen, and we are pleased to close the transaction," said Mike Roman, 3M's chief executive. "By building a global innovator in food safety, the business will bring customers a broader offering of technologies and solutions, while unlocking greater value for shareholders."

The reduction news comes just days after 3M suffered a setback over a key legal strategy designed to mitigate mounting liabilities and as it faces an array of other challenges, ranging from inflationary woes to sluggish growth.

The multinational manufacturer has underperformed in recent years amid supply-chain snags, currency fluctuations and rising costs. 3M said in July it will spin off its health care operation, which accounted for almost a quarter of sales. Management also cut its full-year sales and profit outlook.

It also potentially faces billions of dollars in future costs tied to environmental liabilities and lawsuits alleging that it sold faulty combat earplugs to the U.S. military that led to hearing damage. A bankruptcy judge last week rejected 3M's attempt to use controversial bankruptcy rules to halt those claims, allowing them to proceed to trial. 3M has said it plans to appeal the ruling.

In an Aug. 28 note, Morgan Stanley analyst Joshua Pokrzywinski estimated 3M may face $14 billion in earplug-related liabilities "with potential for something higher."

The company's safety and industrial division plans to realign and reduce its structure, streamline its portfolio and rethink business processes, as well as eliminate jobs, according to the message. It is 3M's largest business unit by revenue and accounted for 34% of its $35.4 billion in sales last year.

It also operates other divisions, selling a variety of products in the consumer, transportation and electronics markets.

The Star Tribune contributed to this report.