HighJump Software, a $36 million provider of supply chain execution systems, will become a part of 3M, a $16 billion diversified technology company based in Minneapolis. According to HighJump CEO Chris Heim, the acquisition brings together two complimentary organizations. "3M considers themselves to be in the productivity enhancement business, but they did that with products," he said in an interview. "Now they're moving into a solutions business. This acquisition ... is a cornerstone of where they want to take the industrial [services and solutions] business." The acquisition brings to HighJump "very deep financial backing," said Heim, as well as access to 3M's extensive R&D efforts and numerous patents.