in digging around, it looks like their strategy in the automobile market is a partnership w 3M - festool hardware, 3m abrassives...could be interesting - some joint selling can be found on 3m's website
3M and Festool Announce Strategic Collaboration to Serve Automotive Collision Repair Industry
Monday, February 29, 2016
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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