COLGATE-PALMOLIVE

MIKE CORBO CHIEF SUPPLY CHAIN OFFICER , COLGATE-PALMOLIVE

than we ever did before . Our channels of communication have improved dramatically , and I think that has helped get us through this .”

“ What people want in a supply chain is consistency and reliability , and that ’ s what manufacturing is about . The definition of quality is making the same thing over and over , with low variability .”

Corbo is now a veteran of the supply chain , including manufacturing , and says the past two years have been the most challenging period he has experienced since joining the company .

He says : “ We had lots of contingency plans , and they were very helpful , but they were at their limit when countries shut down , lanes shut down , and materials couldn ' t be procured .”

On a personal level , Corbo says his team has risen to the challenge .

“ I ' m very lucky to have an excellent team ,” he says .” We communicated more

The pandemic taught us supply chains were fragile As for operational lessons learned since the pandemic struck , Corbo says that one stands out above all others : “ If we take one thing from the past two years of disruptions , it has to be that running supply chains at lowest cost leaves them fragile . We need to build resilience into them , as a matter of priority .”

The pandemic disruptions that so tested the stamina of Corbo ’ s team – and the resilience of the company ’ s supply chain – show little sign of abating , and the biggest single challenge of his role remains “ the magnitude and the frequency of disruptions ”.

He adds : “ Whether it ' s a government intervention , a business intervention or a rising commodity price , the shocks come frequently and without warning , and how quickly we can rebound and continue to keep supply running is really our daily challenge .” manufacturingdigital . com 73