With a clear focus on the imaging field, Imation will be positioned to take advantage of its strengths in this and associated markets through the newly configured Medical Imaging and Photo Products unit, which merges two formerly separate 3M businesses.

Medical Imaging and Photo Products is the world's leading supplier of laser imagers for medical diagnostic imaging, and participates globally in conventional X-ray films and hard-copy recording devices for medical imaging. It also is a leading worldwide manufacturer of private label color film and single-use cameras for major discount, drug, and grocery chains, including Target, Kmart, Osco, Kroger, and Boots.

The combination of 3M's imaging and data storage technologies into Imation will provide better long-term growth opportunities, allowing the new company to significantly strengthen the synergy between its imaging and data storage technologies - a step that will become increasingly beneficial to customers as changes within the medical imaging and information industries accelerate.

Products:

Medical Imaging: Imation develops, manufactures and markets diagnostic imaging films, film processors and imaging systems for both X-ray and electronic imaging systems.

It is the world's leading supplier of high-quality laser imaging systems for producing diagnostic images directly from magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine (NM), ultrasound and other electronic imaging systems.

Imation's existing medical imaging product lines will be strengthened, and additional focus will be placed on developing cost-effective solutions for the health care industry, as evidenced by the DryView™ laser imaging system, introduced in 1995. It represents a major leap in imaging technology, using a unique film development process that eliminates wet processing chemistry and the chemical, environmental and plumbing costs associated with wet processing chemistry.

The 969 HQ laser imager family consists of three laser imagers which produce diagnostic images directly from the electronic data provided by medical imaging systems, such as CT scanners, MR imaging and ultrasound modalities. This family of innovative products arose from the former 3M unit's breakthrough technology, which led to the world's first laser imager, the 831 Laser Imager, in 1984. Today, more than 7,000 laser imagers have been installed in hospitals and other health care facilities worldwide.

The Chest System, introduced in 1994, is designed to provide more diagnostic information by integrating two distinct images onto a single radiograph. The front ultraviolet screen/emulsion system is a high-contrast, low-speed system that records information in the lungs. The back green screen/emulsion system is a low-contrast, high-speed system to record information in the mediastinum. The result is a high-resolution image in the lung area and excellent penetration in the mediastinum.

For ease of service and higher productivity with fast processing, the Trimatic™ Modular Advanced Processing System offers a totally modular daylight system with seven fully active film modules for greater film-handing flexibility in addition to faster film processing and site flexibility.

Imation also will expand its market reach through alliances, such as that formed with Hewlett-Packard and Cemax-Icon to develop software solutions that help clients manage, distribute and archive their medical images.

Photo Products: As one of the world's leading suppliers of private label film for the amateur photography retail market, Imation serves more than 125 retailers worldwide, including mass merchandisers, drug stores, photofinishers, photo specialty stores and minilabs. Imation provides its private label film retailers with a comprehensive marketing program that includes custom packaging, promotions and point-of-sale materials.

In 1986, Scotch™ brand film was introduced by 3M to compete with other nationally branded products. Scotch brand color print film and Scotch Chrome brand color slide film are distributed through mass retailers who prefer a nationally branded film over a store branded film, through photo specialty/camera stores, and through one-hour photo stores. Customers include chains, such as WalMart, Best Buy and Venture, whose customers include the fast-growing segment of the market that appreciates convenience, quality and value.

Markets:

Medical imaging products are sold to hospitals (both large and small), diagnostic imaging centers and professional health care centers worldwide.

As a leading supplier of private label film and single-use cameras, Imation serves more that 125 retailers worldwide, including mass merchandisers, drug stores, photofinishers, photo specialty stores and minilabs.

Distribution:

Medical imaging products are distributed through direct sales, original equipment manufacturers and authorized Imation distributors.

Photo products are distributed thorough direct sales and authorized Imation distributors.

Copyright 1996 Imation. All rights reserved.