3M Automotive Aftermarket Division announced a strategic collaboration with TTS Tooltechnic Systems AG & Co. KG, maker of Festool brand products in February 2016 to provide customers in the global automotive collision repair industry a new and comprehensive surface preparation and finishing system. They are introducing the first new solutions through the partnership. 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.  It will  deliver a comprehensive portfolio of offerings to customers in the automotive aftermarket. The 3M Total Automotive Sanding System is engineered to support the ongoing needs for cleaner, safer, more efficient and profitable collision repair shops.  From ever-changing regulatory standards to increased pressures for efficiency and profitability, 3M now offers a total solution to improve shop cleanliness and performance. “At 3M, we spend a tremendous amount of time studying the way collision repair shops run today – and how they could run in the future,” said Todd Bailey, Marketing Manager for 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division.  “We continually look at process improvements, new standard operating procedures and new solutions for getting repairs done more quickly and efficiently without sacrificing quality.  The new 3M Total Automotive Sanding System is a reflection of that research and development, integrating our innovative abrasive products, advanced repair processes and new collaboration with Festool’s premium power tools.  This system is a great example of the shop of the future – with mobile workcenters, a focus on dust extraction and the ability to deliver an excellent repair – more productively, efficiently and cleaner than before.” The 3M Total Automotive Sanding System is designed and equipped for three specific areas of today’s collision shop – body repair, paint prep and paint finishing.  There are five systems offered – the Body Repair Set and the Paint Prep Set are available with recommended Festool pneumatic and electric products, accessories and 3M consumables, as well as dust extraction equipment.  The Paint Finishing Set is available with Festool pneumatic products, accessories and 3M consumables. The 3M Total Automotive Sanding System incorporates Festool’s premium power tools and dust extraction tools as well as the benefits of 3M high-performing products, such as: Cubitron™ II abrasives that cut 30 percent faster and last up to twice as long as other premium abrasives Trizact™ abrasives that leave a finer, more uniform finish. Perfect-It™ Paint Finishing System, designed to provide a fast, swirl-free finish every time Key benefits of the 3M Total Automotive Sanding System include: Profitability and efficiency

• Reduces the amount of dust in the air from sanding, leading to less rework, driving improved cycle time and process efficiency
• Reduces cleanup time
• Enhances workplace efficiency by reducing time spent searching for tools and materials
• Workcenter enables the use of abrasives to end of life, leading to reduced material spend
• Increases technician mobility

Health and safety

• Designed with the technician’s safety in mind
• Integrated dust extraction system reduces dust
• AIS anti-static hose
• Ergonomic, non-slip tool design
• Pad brake means less tool free spin
• Improves shop cleanliness

SERVICE all-inclusive -- n the U.S. and Canada, every system comes with an industry-leading package of service and support for the Festool products, including:

• 36-Month Comprehensive Warranty
• 10-Year Parts Availability
• 24/7 Online Service Hub
• 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
• Dedicated Service Hotline
• 48-Hour Standard Repair
• Three-Year Free Shipping

About 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division
3M automotive products keep the world on the move, with innovative solutions for building, repairing and maintaining vehicles.  From the collision repair professional to the individual vehicle enthusiast, people around the world trust 3M products to protect, repair and keep their vehicles looking showroom new.  And our commitment to this industry extends beyond product performance to a careful stewardship of the world’s resources and environment. Serving the needs of our customers has made 3M a trusted leader in vehicle care and repair, and we are dedicated to earning that trust each and every day.
 
For more information, contact 1-877-MMM-CARS, contact your local 3M Distributor or 3M Sales Representative or visit the website at www.3Mcollision.com.  Follow 3M AAD on Facebook at www.facebook.com/3MCollision and on twitter @3MCollision and Instagram @3MCollision.
 
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, Cubitron II, Trizact and Perfect-It™ Paint Finishing System 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.