Part 6/11:
Vail adopted a galvanizing approach after reorganizing the company and successfully suing Western Union for patent infringement. In a remarkable settlement in 1879, Bell acquired Western Union's telephone operations, positioning himself as the unchallenged leader in the emerging telecommunications landscape. Vail’s administrative prowess allowed Bell to transition into a coherent, competitive entity with operational structure.
Vertical Integration: The Rise of Western Electric
As Bell scaled, production issues persisted. A strategic pivot became necessary, leading to an alliance with Western Electric in 1881. This partnership allowed Bell to streamline manufacturing and distribution processes, essential for sustaining the growing demand for telephone services.