Corning – How the firm has delivered many life-changing inventions including Gorilla Glass

Corning, the best-known multinational company that specializes in material science has delivered several life-changing inventions. Particularly, glass and ceramic science as well as optical physics are the main areas of Corning. For manufacturing the best products, the firm has sustained investment in research and development. As well, Corning is popular amongst clients for trust-based relationships and commitment to delivered category-defining products. Display technologies, life sciences, specialty materials, environmental technology, and optical communication, are the foremost business sectors of the firm. Most importantly, Corning is world-famous for its Gorilla glass that finds useful to many smartphone companies. Since 2007, the firm has been working with Apple Inc as one of the main suppliers of the glass.

The backstory of Corning

In 1851, Amory Houghton set up Corning Glass Works in Somerville in Massachusetts. Later on, the firm has moved to Williamsburg, New York. At that time, it started manufacturing glass under the name Brooklyn Flint Glass Works. Once again, the firm has shifted to Corning, New York in 1868. Which later on became its world headquarters as well, recognized as Corning Inc. Meanwhile in 1908, the firm has started the first-ever industrial research lab that further expanded into an R&D facility.

Further exploration of the business

The firm has already acquired a huge market for its well-defined products. But the main turning point in the business of Corning’s business is seen when it started working with Apple. Apple, a giant smartphone firm made a deal with Corning to develop a robust display for its upcoming iPhone. At that time, many other well-known smartphone manufacturers including Nokia adopted the Gorilla glass screen of Corning. This made huge growth in Corning’s business, as well, enabled the firm to explore its R&D division.

Furthermore, the firm entered into manufacturing glass used in LCDs. In fact, the firm manufactures this kind of glass without heavy metals. Thereafter, it plunged into the communications industry with the production of optical fiber. It has started an optic fiber production unit called ClearCurve in 2007. The specialty of this unit was the use of nanostructure technology.

Corning’s contribution to industrial research and development

As of now, the firm has always innovated products that have shown useful results to simplify human’s life.  The firm also shares a major contribution in launching environment-friendly glass known as Lotus Glass. It is specially designed for the improvising performance of LCD and OLED displays.

Recently, the firm has also engaged in research and development on green lasers’ impact on the glass. Likewise, Corning also involved in a research project on mercury abatement, microreactors, silicon, and photovoltaics reaction on the glass. Also, it is one of the supporters of life science research through its unique life science division. Mostly, life science research on stem cell culture products. Many people, unaware of the fact that almost 10% of Corning’s revenue is used for R&D. Apart from that, it has donated 300 million dollars for the expansion of the Sullivan Park research facility.

Other products

Other than manufacturing Glass and optic fiber, the firm has also manufacture ceramic emission control devices. These are generally used in gasoline engines of cars and light trucks.  Nowadays, it is also working to develop similar kinds of devices for diesel engines. Moreover, it is also manufacturing a low expansion glass. Such glass utilizes in space shuttles’ windows and in Steuben art glass.  In fact, Corning supplies all kinds of bulk or finished glass. Last year, Apple announced a 250 million dollars investment in Corning. So, most of the upcoming devices of Apple will be using Corning’s glass.

Wendell P. Weeks

He served in many prestigious positions at Corning. In 2005, he was appointed as Corning CEO while he is one of the board members since 2007. As well, he is one of the board directors at Corning. Wendell put immense efforts to make Corning a bigger and stronger company. Weeks associated with Corning since 1983, from handling financial to general management roles, he also played important role in the optical communication business. During his tenure as CEO, Wendell used acquisition strategy for many of its divisions. Such as Life sciences, Optical Communications, and Display technology. On top of that, he contributed to many innovations including Gorilla glass. Coming to his education, he holds a master’s in business administration from Harvard University.