3M ESPE: A dynamic force for 10 years

3M ESPE is celebrating its 10th anniversary and multiple "most innovative dental company" global honours. 1+1=3 was the equation used back in 2000 within 3M Dental and German firm ESPE Dental AG to describe the synergy expected from joining the two businesses. In February 2001, the two were combined to form the 3M ESPE Division.

Now, on 3M ESPE's 10-year anniversary, the equation is a quick way to sum up its success. The two businesses - treated as equals during their integration - did, in fact, combine to form a much stronger force in the marketplace than either could do by going it alone.

3M ESPE's milestones in the past 10 years include more than 300 patents, nearly 100 new products, 19 Golden Step Awards and for six consecutive years, named as the most innovative company in the worldwide dental industry. Today, 3M ESPE manufactures and markets more than 2,000 products and services used by dental professionals.

"3M Dental and ESPE AG each brought unique skills and technologies to the mix, delivering a powerful market strength in the two major categories of dentistry: prosthodontics, and restoratives," said Jeff Lavers, currently vice president, Sales, Marketing and Corporate Communications. Mr Lavers served as marketing director for 3M Dental when the businesses combined and then as vice president and general manager, 3M ESPE Division, from 2007 to 2009. "Combined, it created the most significant company in the dental industry, able to meet and exceed customers' expectations in a manner that no other company could."