MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- 3M Co. says it will eliminate several hundred more U.S. jobs over the next few months than previously announced, blaming the slumping domestic economy.
"It's the current market conditions in the United States and the slowing U.S. sales growth that are going to lead to the several hundred job eliminations through the company over the next several months," spokeswoman Jackie Berry told the Star Tribune for a story posted Thursday night.
3M has about 75,000 workers worldwide, including 34,000 in U.S., 16,000 of whom are in Minnesota.
Berry said workers in 3M's industrial adhesives and transportation business were recently notified that their unit will be affected. She said more details will be made available at the end of next week.
Maplewood-based 3M announced last month it will cut 300 workers from its optical business after sales for its screen-brightening films for flat panel TVs, computers and cell phones fell about 36 percent during the second quarter.
While industrial tapes and optical films are likely to be affected, Berry said all six 3M businesses are "looking at their needs and adjusting resources."
3M's impending job cuts in the United States come after years of steady overseas growth. International sales now account for about 65 percent of total 3M sales and could account for 70 percent by 2012, company officials said. That compares with just 53 percent in 2001.
