3M Expands AWS Deal to Supply Optical Connectivity for AI Data Centers

3M Co. (MMM) said Wednesday it expanded its strategic collaboration with Amazon Web Services, which plans to deploy and scale 3M's Expanded Beam Optical technology across its data center infrastructure. The companies will jointly develop optical connectivity technologies for next-generation artificial intelligence systems. 3M said the collaboration and related investments are expected to support more than 500 direct and indirect jobs, including over 100 new positions through 2027 across Minnesota, Texas and Wisconsin. The company expects its optical connectivity business to contribute nearly $0.5 billion to the U.S. economy. The deal builds on 3M's previously announced plan to double production capacity at its Menomonie, Wisconsin, manufacturing facility. 3M shares were down 0.09% at $171.21 on the NYSE.