Corning and Glass
Davis Dyer, Daniel Gross · 2001
Abstract This book explores the relationship between Corning and glass, the material from which it (as well as its forebears) has wrought its livelihood since 1851. One hundred and fifty years is a long time. It is twice the span of the average American’s life, and many times that of the average company’s. The most august and well-known names in American commercial history Ford, IBM, Motorola, to name a few-are less than one hundred years old. A very few, like Du Pont and Procter & Gamble, can trace their origins farther back. But longevity without purpose or significant accomplishment is not particularly meaningful. To be sure, Corning’s long history has been filled with significance-for the small city that it has called home since 1868, for the generations of its employees, and for the family that founded, owned, and managed the company for virtually its entire history. But Corning’s significance has been almost as great to people and companies whose connection to the company is less direct. Very few companies have made inventions that have affected humankind profoundly.