Automotive is the industry that Corning is focusing on for its huge growth in India

Corning has become the cover material of choice on more than 4.5 billion devices around the globe. It is not an overnight fame. It took them 56 years to build a tough and damage-resistant glass that is ideal for today’s sleekest electronic devices and most sophisticated touch technology.

Corning experimented with chemically strengthened glass in 1960 as part of an initiative called “Project Muscle.” In 1961, Corning developed a glass composition which it promoted under the Chemcor brand, which featured state-of-the-art strength and durability. Chemcor glass was incorporated into tableware, ophthalmic products, and applications for the automotive, aviation, and pharmaceutical industries

When Corning began developing a tough new cover glass for electronic devices in 2006, Corning scientists, of course, drew upon the company’s prior expertise with strengthened glass. However, Corning Gorilla Glass is a different product and glass composition than Chemcor.

“We implemented significant compositional as well as other changes to achieve superior product characteristics including outstanding damage resistance, while making the glass compatible with Corning’s proprietary fusion-draw manufacturing process,” said Amit Bansal, President of Corning India Technologies.

Corning’s fusion-draw process produces exceptionally thin glass with unparalleled surface quality. This combination of exceptional technical and manufacturing capabilities enabled Corning to meet the call of the smartphone industry with a high performance cover material on a very rapid timeline and roadmap. Since then, rest is history for Corning.

In talks with Business Insider, Amit Bansal shares his journey, future plans and the perks of working at Corning.

• From smartphones, automotive, TV to tablets, Corning has covered all. What next?

With a focus on continuously innovating breakthrough technologies, Corning’s advanced glass solutions can drive solutions that address key trends in automotive, architecture, and other key industries.

Automakers around the world are working to reduce the weight of their vehicles to meet strict mobile emissions regulations. Corning Gorilla Glass for Automotive enables a weight reduction in glazing of more than 30% versus conventional soda lime glass. Corning Gorilla Glass for Automotive can be used in all openings of a vehicle including windshields, sidelites, sunroofs and backlites. Corning Gorilla Glass also can be used in automotive touch/control panels.

Corning recently teamed with Ford on the first production automotive windshield for Corning Gorilla Glass for Automotive on the Ford GT – proving once again that light, tough, and optically advantaged Gorilla Glass reaches well beyond consumer electronics. In addition to the windshield, Gorilla Glass for Automotive is also deployed in two other windows on the Ford GT, the rear window and the bulkhead, a separation window that is located behind the seats and in front of the rear engine.

With Corning Gorilla Glass’s advanced technology, the interior architecture industry is also set to get a new face with a greater freedom for designers to channel their creativity. Remarkably tough and incredibly thin, Corning Gorilla Glass enables progressive new lightweight designs with superior optical performance for interior architecture. Corning Gorilla Glass’s applications are being installed in modular panels that fit seamlessly together – giving designers the opportunity to replace select panels or change the whole design whenever they choose. Furthermore, Corning Gorilla Glass provides designers endless options for decoration, making the appearance of the surface completely customizable.

• Any plans to make a glass that is bulletproof?

o Our research and development organization at Corning is constantly working on new glass designs and new innovations to meet customer needs. We do not set specific times for new product launches, but launch when we can confirm that it will add value to the industry.

• What are some of the other disruptive technologies that Corning is working on currently?

This year Corning brought the vision of featuring glass surfaces with extraordinary capabilities to life. The ‘Glass Age’, as Corning likes to call it, became a reality with Corning’s interactive, and customizable glass abilities in application areas including:

· Connected Car: The in-car experience got more interactive and customizable than ever before. Our connected console, made possible by Corning specialty glass, can be customized in countless ways, displaying radio and video players, navigation, apps, and more.

· Retail: Shoppers can get the online shopping experience in a real-world setting. Our interactive storefront window, made possible by Corning specialty glass, bridges the gap between digital and brick-and-mortar retail.

· Kitchen: Fridge content management lets you see what’s inside and keep track of what’s running low. Backgrounds, widgets, and photos become customizable and interactive, made possible with Corning’s specialty glass to ensure an aesthetic that’s perfect for everyone.

· Infotainment Wall: Control home appliances and utilities from a single point. Enjoy Bluetooth audio, online video, and Internet. Stay organized with calendar and family activity management. And do it all in style with interactive, customizable wallpapers and infrared touch functionality enabled by Corning advanced glass.

• What are your India specific plans?

Corning understands the dynamics of the Indian market and is committed to offer its most innovative technology to the Indian customers. A proof of this is Corning’s continuing support in India’s Optical communications business. Corning’s offering in optical fibre, cable and connectivity solutions, has played a key role in India’s growing telecommunications market. From supporting India’s first optical fibre deployments in the 1980s, to currently taking enterprise network solutions to data centres, Corning continues to play a strong role in connecting India’s people

In 2012, with its investment of over $100 million, Corning established a state-of-art optical fibre manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune and continues to support the Indian Government in its forward-looking initiatives like Smart Cities and BharatNet

Corning’s materials and process expertise has contributed to the campaign for clean air for more than 25 years in India. With BS IV and BS VI emission regulations being implemented over the next five years, Corning is partnering with the automotive industry to understand its products and technology needs and come up with innovative products and solutions that help meet the regulations.

Corning Life Sciences offers a comprehensive range of innovative, high-quality labware products and solutions for life science research and bio production and Corning’s bioprocessing tools are already helping Indian biopharma companies develop and produce vaccines

Corning is also looking for new business opportunities for other product lines in India, including its Advanced-Flow™ reactors and MASTERPIX™

Corning Advanced-Flow™ reactors are specially designed for the seamless transition from lab feasibility to process development and industrial-scale production of chemicals for the pharmaceutical, specialty and fine chemical industries

Corning recently launched MASTERPIX™ in India which prints photos onto thin, durable, optically clear Corning® Gorilla® Glass, which has been used as a cover glass on 4.5 billion electronic devices around the world.

• What is the most fun part of working with Corning?

I started working as the President of Corning India Technologies in March 2012. Prior to assuming this role, I was based out of California, USA where I was the Business Director at Axygen, a company that was acquired by Corning in 2009.

I have been able to channel my energies here towards innovative technology that has helped shape the present and the future. The times are exciting and the environment at Corning resonate the adrenalin rush with which our society is changing and to witness this every day is extremely fulfilling.

For me personally, it has been an exciting learning experience which has helped me move closer to my goal of making this world a better place.

• You are constantly researching and innovating. How do you deal with the stress?

For me, it is learning and enjoyment rather than stress. India is one of the fastest growing markets in the world. As I see the potential of growth for Corning in India, leading the company wakes me up with determination and gives me joy to start my day with.


(Image credits: indiatimes)