Robust strategies: lessons from GKN 1759-2013

Chris Carr and Andrew Lorenz

Business History, 2014, vol. 56, issue 7, 1169-1195

Abstract: GKN is Britain's surviving top 50 company from 1905, a flourishing world top-player in automotive and aero components. This article traces 254 years of its development, domestically and internationally, drawing on corporate access and the author's worldwide field research since 1974, and three in-depth business histories including one by the co-author. Lessons confirm just some traits expected of successful 'Built To Last' (BTL) companies. However, GKN's 'robust' sustained strategy also reflects financial conservatism; constant adaptation to its historical and competitive context; highly proactive internationalisation and, from 1902 onwards, a determination to develop always at least 'three major business legs' to survive evolutionary processes as sectors mature and consolidate globally.

Date: 2014
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DOI: 10.1080/00076791.2013.876531

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