3M Company and TTS Tooltechnic Systems AG & Co. KG, maker of Festool brand products, 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 abrasives, global sales and distribution capabilities with Festool-branded power tools, dust extraction technologies and 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 collision customers 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.”
Christian Oltzscher, chief sales officer, TTS Tooltechnic Systems AG & Co. KG, added, “We are proud to enter into this collaboration with 3M to offer a premium surface treatment system for body shops. 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 serves the automotive collision repair industry through more than 70 subsidiaries. 3M abrasives innovation, including new 3M Cubitron II Abrasives, will now be offered in conjunction with Festool Automotive Systems surface prep tools, dust extraction capabilities and services.
