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1902: Arthur Keen creates Guest, Keen & Nettlefolds Ltd., after acquiring Dowlais Iron and Nettlefolds. Company becomes world's largest producer of screws, nails, nuts and bolts

1920: GKN enters automotive industry through purchase of specialty steelmaker

1939-45: Under government control, company is directed to produce weapons and equipment for fighting in World War II

1951: U.K. Labour Party government nationalizes iron and steel industry, beginning 30 years of flip-flops on state ownership

1966: GKN buys stake in a maker of "constant velocity" joints, used in front-wheel-drive cars, such as the Austin mini

1980: GKN posts first-ever full-year loss ever; Chairman Trevor Holdsworth begins major restructuring

1988: Acquires 29% of helicopter-maker Westland; GKN takes full control in 1994

1994: GKN strikes first outsourcing deal, involving takeover of an automaker's in-house production, with Fiat

2001: GKN Aerospace signs similar outsourcing agreement, with Boeing, taking over factory in St. Louis, Mo.

Sources: GKN plc and Wall Street Journal research