ABOVE: One of Fairmont’s larger employers, 3M, located at 710 North State Street, is projected to close permanently in early 2027.

FAIRMONT– This week employees at 3M in Fairmont learned that the site would be closing permanently. The plant has been in Fairmont since 1946.

“As part of our looking at manufacturing and supply chain efficiencies, the company is going to be discontinuing production at 3M Fairmont likely by early 2027,” said Allie Fjelstad, Global Senior Manager of Issues and Communications at 3M.

She said this will impact roughly 80 positions but reiterated that operations won’t end until early next year.

“We’re intending to support impacted employees with severance and transition support,” Fjelstad said.

No information was provided yet on what will happen to the nearly 150,000 sq. ft. building at 710 North State Street. Fjelstad also could not share information on whether any other 3M locations are slated to close in the near future.

While a global corporation, the 3M headquarters is in Maplewood, Minn., a suburb of St. Paul. Other Minnesota locations include Alexandria, Cottage Grove, Hutchinson and New Ulm.

According to its website, the Fairmont plant produces a variety of industrial, consumer and electrical products serving several markets.

Fairmont 3M has also been very active in the community. It’s a member of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce and has consistently participated in events like the Interlaken Heritage Days parade. It has also supported a number of non-profits as well as programs in the local school districts.

Fairmont’s Economic Development Coordinator, Ned Koppen, called the news of the plant’s closure in Fairmont unfortunate but did not yet provide other comment though he did confirm that 3M is one of the top 10 biggest employers in Fairmont.