Guest Keen & Nettlefolds Ltd

Sectors:

  • Transport equipment production Aeroengines & components production
  • Extraction Coal extraction
  • Fabricated metal products manufacture Fastener production
  • Basic metals production Iron, steel & related alloys production
  • Transport equipment production Motor vehicle engines & components production

Notes:

Traces origins to Dowlais Iron Co established at Dowlais, near Merthyr Tydfil, in 1759. Developed other plant and by mid 19th century was largest iron making business in world. Also owned collieries. 1850s started to make steel. Provided iron for range of uses including cannon balls and railway rails. 1900 merged with Patent Nut & Bolt Co Ltd of Birmingham, led by Arthur Keen, to form Guest Keen & Co Ltd. 1902 acquired Nettlefolds Ltd, woodscrew manufacturers, also of Birmingham, to form Guest Keen & Nettlefolds Ltd, a major UK business. 1920 merged with John Lysaght Ltd, iron & steel manufacturers, engineers and owners of Joseph Sankey & Sons Ltd, motor components manufacturers, etc. Iron and steel interests nationalised 1951, bought back in 1955 and renationalised in 1967 as part of British Steel Corp. Subsequently expanded non iron and steel interests and diversified into new areas such as defence vehicles and industrial services. 1980s renamed GKN Plc. 1988 acquired Westand Plc but helicopter interests subsequently sold. In 2010 continuing as a major internationally spread car components, aerospace, powder metallurgy business

Publications:

Groups: