ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
3M Company and TTS Tooltechnic Systems AG & Co. KG, maker of Festool
brand products, today announced a strategic collaboration to provide
customers in the global automotive collision repair industry a new and
comprehensive surface preparation and finishing system. The
collaboration brings together 3M’s best-in-class abrasives, global sales
and distribution capabilities with Festool-branded premium power tools,
dust extraction technologies and exceptional customer service to deliver
a comprehensive portfolio of offerings to customers in the automotive
aftermarket.
As part of the strategic collaboration, 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket
Division (AAD) will eventually become the exclusive supplier of 3M and
Festool Automotive Systems products in the automotive aftermarket. The
new system is expected to launch in the U.S. and Canada later in 2016,
with additional countries to be announced at a later date.
The new system responds to the increasing demand from customers in the
automotive collision repair industry for highly efficient, all-in-one
dust extraction solutions that support the ongoing need from customers
to maintain cleaner, more efficient and profitable shops.
“Our collaboration with Festool Automotive Systems combines 3M’s
leadership in abrasives technologies and Festool´s premium power tools,
dust extraction technologies and service to deliver customers an
unparalleled solution for complete dust extraction needs,” said Laurie
Altman, Vice President and General Manager, 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket
Division. “With this agreement, customers in the automotive aftermarket
will now have access to one of the most comprehensive portfolios of
offerings in the industry from one provider.”
“We are proud to enter into this collaboration with 3M to offer a
premium surface treatment system for body shops,” said Christian
Oltzscher, Chief Sales Officer, TTS Tooltechnic Systems AG & Co. KG.
“With the combined world-class portfolios of tools and abrasives, and
the expertise and extensive distribution capabilities of 3M sales and
service professionals, we will be able to serve customers in the
automotive aftermarket even better. Our goal is to make body shops more
profitable.”
3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division spans the globe, serving the
automotive collision repair industry through more than 70 subsidiaries.
3M AAD has deep industry knowledge and maintains extensive relationships
with collision-repair professionals. In collaboration with Festool
Automotive Systems, 3M will now offer its customers an even stronger
value. 3M best-in-class abrasives innovation, including new 3M™
Cubitron™ II Abrasives, will now be offered in conjunction with premium
Festool Automotive Systems surface prep tools, dust extraction
capabilities and services, creating one of the most effective and
comprehensive surface preparation and finishing systems in the
automotive collision repair industry.
For 90 years, Festool has been a manufacturer of premium power tools for
the most demanding applications. With a well-earned reputation for
innovation and quality, Festool makes power tools widely considered the
best in the automotive repair marketplace, including pneumatic and
electric sanders, polishers and backup pads, vacuums and surface-prep
workstations. Beyond its existing products, Festool continues to develop
a new line of connected “smart tools” to power the future of collision
repair.
About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily.
With $30 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers
all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the
world’s problems at www.3M.com
or on Twitter @3M or @3MNewsroom.
3M and Cubitron II are trademarks of 3M Company
About Festool
Festool develops superior quality electric and pneumatic tools for
professionals as well as users with tough demands. Since the founding of
the family business in 1925, the commitment to quality and innovation
has earned over 350 patents and more than 90 awards. More than 90% of
Festool customers remain loyal to the brand. To learn more about Festool
visit www.festool.com.

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Source: 3M