Smiths Group plc, a British multinational engineering business headquartered in London, England.

1. Origins and Growth:

   - Smiths Group traces its roots back to a humble jewelry shop called S. Smith & Sons, founded by the watchmaker and businessman Samuel Smith in 1851 at 12 Newington Causeway in southeast London.

   - Initially, the shop supplied precision watches to various clients, including the Admiralty. However, it quickly expanded into a major provider of timepieces, diamonds, and automotive instrumentation.

2. Public Limited Company:

   - On July 21, 1914, S. Smith & Sons transformed into a public limited company and has maintained this status for over a century.

   - Significant restructuring occurred during the 1950s, leading to the establishment of divisions such as Smiths Medical Systems, Smiths Aviation, and Smiths Marine.

3. Diversification and Aerospace:

   - Throughout the twentieth century, Smiths Group was a principal supplier of instruments to the British motorcar and motorcycle industries.

   - In 1960, it reorganized as Smiths Industries Ltd.

   - By the late 1970s, the markets for clocks, watches, and automotive instruments declined significantly.

   - In the early 1980s, Smiths Industries ceased direct involvement as a supplier to Europe's automotive industry.

   - Smiths Aerospace became a key business division, serving both military and civilian customers.

4. Twenty-First Century Focus:

   - In the twenty-first century, Smiths Group shifted its focus to critical solutions:

     - Manufacture of explosive-detecting sensors.

     - Products and services for major process industries.

     - Components that heat and move fluids and gases.

5. Global Presence:

   - Smiths Group operates in over 50 countries and employs approximately 15,000 staff.

   - It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

6. Legacy and Evolution:

   - From a jewellery shop to a diversified engineering giant, Smiths Group's journey reflects adaptability, innovation, and resilience.