Tom Kruse , Global Head , Supply Chain Collaboration & Consortiums , Global Supply Chain Management at Corning Incorporated , discusses the importance of supply chain collaboration amidst its transformation journey in the manufacturing industry

A s one of the leading innovators in materials science worldwide , Corning Incorporated is used to being in the ascendency . Established in 1851 , Corning has become a major heavyweight in the glass manufacturing space , with its products used in applications including smartphones , automotive interiors , large-size televisions and displays , and even pharmaceutical packaging . Tom Kruse , Global Head , Supply Chain Collaboration & Consortiums of Corning , understands the importance of procurement to his firm ’ s operations and believes it is considered a vital priority . “ As a manufacturing company , supply chain and procurement are front and center of everything that we do ,” says Kruse . “ It ’ s an old adage , but every dollar that we save contributes directly to the bottom line of the company and reduces our adjusted manufacturing costs .”