292 Principles of Supply Chain Management
objectives of most supply chains. The top three executives in TI all have industrial
engineering degrees; they are naturals to build and manage a company to seek out cost
reduction opportunities.
Paul Thompson views the rapid growth of the company he founded, even during the
economic slowdown of recent years, this way: “As we saw the economy collapsing in
2008, we decided not to change our course. We made all the previously planned invest-
ments in people and technology. Our ability to offer innovative solutions and process
improvements has helped our clients to progress and grow faster than the economy.
What really makes TI different is our people. Business models can be replicated, but
our strengt