3M Preferred Converter — Gleicher Manufacturing

Over 3,000 converters operate in the United States. Around 60 carry 3M Preferred Converter status. Gleicher Manufacturing has held this designation for decades. We're a third-generation, family-owned operation with humble beginnings in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, and over 75 years of tape converting experience.

What that translates to for you: when you work with us, you deal directly with 3M's latest adhesive technologies, their research facilities, and their product scientists.

What is a 3M Preferred Converter?

3M doesn't just hand out this status to converters. The company subjects every applicant to strict evaluation of manufacturing processes, quality systems, equipment, and industry track record before granting Preferred status. In effect, it is 3M's stamp of confidence that a converter can handle complex converting work without compromising their materials' integrity.

For the engineer or procurement manager reading this, there is a practical difference worth understanding. A 3M Preferred Converter like Gleicher has a direct line to 3M's product engineers and scientists, not a general support number, but active working relationships with the technical teams behind the products.

And if your project runs into a bonding problem, we can set up a joint application review with 3M's lab team. That kind of access simply is not available through a standard converter or distributor.

Why choose Gleicher as your 3M Preferred Converter

Our relationship with 3M goes beyond the logo on the website. We work with 3M materials on a daily basis and have long-standing experience converting them into production-ready components.

A key part of our process is focusing on how a material will perform in your application and how it will be used in production. We review your requirements, suggest suitable 3M materials or tapes, produce prototypes where needed, and support the transition into production.

This approach helps identify potential issues earlier in the process, before they affect performance on the line.

We also maintain direct communication with 3M’s technical and support teams. Where additional input is required, we can coordinate with 3M to help address application-specific questions and requirements.

3M products and materials we convert

Gleicher converts across the full range of 3M adhesive and tape products including:

• Adhesive transfer tapes — thin, unsupported adhesive films used for bonding, splicing, and label attachment.
• VHB (Very High Bond) tapes — structural bonding tapes that can replace mechanical fasteners like screws, rivets, and welds in many assemblies. VHB has become one of our most-requested product lines.
• Foam tapes — gasketing, sealing, cushioning, and vibration dampening applications.
• Double-coated tapes — adhesive on both sides, used for mounting, laminating, and assembly.
• 3M Dual Lock — the reclosable fastener system engineers specify for panels, displays, and access covers where repeated opening and closing is required.
• Specialty tapes — thermally conductive, electrically conductive, medical-grade, and masking tapes for niche application requirements.

Converting capabilities

From a single prototype piece to a full production run, Gleicher's converting floor handles it.

• Die cutting — rotary, flatbed, and steel-rule for precision parts at any volume.
• Laser cutting — the right choice for complex geometries and delicate substrates where mechanical cutting would cause tearing or deformation.
• Laminating — multi-layer adhesive lamination for composite builds.
• Slitting and rewinding — we take master rolls and convert them to the exact width your production line requires.
• Kiss cutting — the adhesive and face material are cut through, but the release liner stays intact. That gives you peel-and-place parts your assembly team can use without additional prep.
• Custom kitting — multiple converted components bundled into ready-to-use kits for your assembly operation.

Everything we deliver is production-ready. Liner tabs, perforations, registration marks, split liners — these are standard. When a part arrives at your line, your team picks it up and applies it. No trimming, no peeling extra layers, no fussing.

Frequently asked questions

What is a 3M Preferred Converter?

A 3M Preferred Converter has been certified by 3M for quality, technical capability, and manufacturing expertise. The designation opens direct access to 3M's technologies, specialist support, and preferred material pricing. Out of over 3,000 converters in the US, fewer than 60 hold this status.

How many 3M Preferred Converters are there?

Approximately 60 in the United States. 3M keeps the program selective — they evaluate equipment, quality systems, and industry experience before accepting a converter.

What is the difference between a 3M converter and a 3M distributor?

Converters fabricate. We take raw 3M tape and adhesive materials and die-cut, slit, laminate, or otherwise convert them into parts built for your specific application. Distributors resell 3M products as-is. Gleicher does both — we can supply standard 3M products and convert them into custom components.

How do I request a quote from Gleicher?

Contact us at sales@gleicher.com or call 888-818-5798. You can also use the contact page. We typically respond within one business day with pricing and lead time.

Work with a 3M Preferred Converter

Gleicher's 3M Preferred Converter status is not just a badge on a webpage. It shapes how we work with every customer. When you call us, you get preferred pricing, direct access to 3M's research and technical teams, and over 75 years of converting experience.

Need prototype parts for a new design, or production-volume converting? Our engineering services team will evaluate your application and recommend the right solution. Get in touch to start the conversation.

We’re your partners in innovation.  Let us show you why we’re a preferred converter. sales@Gleicher.com

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