3M Select has already been introduced in the US, Canada, Germany and Benelux and qualifies partners against a common set of strict criteria applied consistently worldwide. The programme in the UK and Ireland has two levels: Platinum and Gold. Currently, four companies are qualified as 3M Select Platinum Partners and seven as 3M Select Gold Partners.
Commenting on the programme, Pen Webley, senior marketing executive for 3M Commercial Graphics division, said: “Global, national and regional businesses rely on 3M Commercial Graphics products to protect their brand identity. 3M shares customers’ commitment to their brand. The 3M Select programme is a realisation of that and brand owners can approach a 3M Select partner with complete confidence. For global companies, there is the added benefit that the criteria are harmonised globally. The 3M Select programme is a long term programme and will be our primary marketing focus for fleet and rail.”
She added: “For more than 40 years 3M Wrap Film Products have consistently set the industry standard for quality, performance and value. 3M is recognised as an innovative leader in supplying graphics systems, amongst them products that will not only withstand the fluctuating UK and Ireland weather but maintain excellent image quality. The new 3M Select programme is designed to allow us to maintain this by directing customers to partners that embrace our values and commitment to quality.”
3M Select partners are qualified according to 15 criteria, which cover equipment and quality of work. These include adherence to a 3M Code of Content, execution of a Matched Component System (MCS) quality test and submission to an annual audit by 3M personnel. 3M Select replaces the 3M SPGAM programme. 3M Select is supported by the MCS Warranty from 3M, which covers the whole graphic, not just the constituent parts, and is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive in the industry. It guarantees that all elements of a graphic (film, ink, adhesive and protective coating) will perform well together over an extended period, in all weather conditions.