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Robust strategies: lessons from GKN 1759-2013

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  • Chris Carr
  • Andrew Lorenz

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Chris Carr & Andrew Lorenz, 2014. "Robust strategies: lessons from GKN 1759-2013," Business History, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 56(7), pages 1169-1195, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:bushst:v:56:y:2014:i:7:p:1169-1195
    DOI: 10.1080/00076791.2013.876531
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Owen, Geoffrey, 2010. "The Rise and Fall of Great Companies: Courtaulds and the Reshaping of the Man-Made Fibres Industry," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199592890.
    2. Harold James, 2012. "Krupp: A History of the Legendary German Firm," Economics Books, Princeton University Press, edition 1, number 9680.
    3. Edgar Jones, 1987. "A History of GKN," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-06629-2, December.
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