Bosch is a leading global supplier of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods and building technology. Founded in Stuttgart, Germany in 1886 by Robert Bosch, the company originated as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering." Including its 300 subsidiaries and affiliated companies, the Bosch Group is present in more than 50 countries, and has some 272,000 associates, 160,000 of them outside Germany.
Ownership
92 percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by a charitable foundation – Robert Bosch Stiftung, which carries on the social commitment and endeavors of the company founder in the areas of science, health and humanitarian aid, international understanding, and youth, education, and civic society. Its special ownership structure guarantees the company's financial independence and makes it possible for the company to develop a long-term perspective in its actions. 7 percent of the share capital is held by the Bosch family. 1 percent share is held by Robert Bosch GmbH.
Sales
2007 sales of the Bosch Group were over 46 billion euros (over $63 billion), up 7 percent over 2006 (conversion rate: 1 Euro = $1.3704 USD).
Worldwide:
· Automotive Technology achieved 28.5 billion euros ($39 billion) in revenues, or 5 percent growth in 2007, and accounts for roughly 62 percent of business.
· Consumer Goods and Building Technology grew 6 percent in 2006 to nearly 12 billion euros ($16 billion), accounting for about 25 percent of the overall business.
· Industrial Technology grew 7 percent to almost 6 billion euros ($8 billion) in 2007 and accounts for about 13 percent of the business. In terms of sales, Bosch ranks:
· #15 among German companies Fortune magazine's Global 500 list (July 23, 2007)
· #109 on Fortune magazine's Global 500 list (July 23, 2007)
Research & Development (R&D)
Worldwide R&D expenditure in 2007 was 3.6 billion euros ($4.9 billion), roughly 8 percent of sales. With nearly 30,000 associates working in R&D globally, Bosch has over 10 percent of its workforce involved in research and development all over the world. Automotive technology is the most research-intensive business sector, whose R&D expenditure comes to 2.8 billion euros ($3.8 billion), or roughly 10 percent of sales. The company first-filed 3,281 patents in 2007, an average of 14 submissions per working day, up 7 percent from prior year.
· In the U.S., Bosch has been issued a total 6,486 patents. With 569 patents issued in 2007, Bosch is among the top 35 submission companies cited by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
· The Bosch Research and Technology Center, with facilities in Palo Alto, Calif., and Pittsburgh, Pa., is devoted exclusively to research and development of Bosch products and systems, including advancements in automotive technology and enhanced security and safety systems. Bosch supports the advancement of engineering at many notable universities across the United States, including Stanford University and Kettering University.
· In 2007, Bosch opened its new technical center in Plymouth Township, Mich., housing R&D and engineering for Electrical Drives, Starter Motors and Generators and Automotive Electronics divisions.
Bosch in North America
In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch, which established its presence in the U.S. in 1906, today has approximately 25,600 employees in more than 80 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. North America is the company's largest market outside of Germany.
The automotive sector contributes 65 percent of sales in the region. By 2015, Bosch North and South America sales should contribute 25 percent of the Group's global sales. Globally, 50 percent of sales are targeted to come from automotive and the balance from the consumer goods & building technology, and industrial technology business sectors.
2007 Sales of Bosch Group in North America: $9.5 billion
· Automotive Technology $6.2 billion
· Industrial Technology $1.3 billion
· Consumer Goods & Building Technology $2.0 billion
2006 Sales of Bosch Group in North America: $8.8 billion
· Automotive Technology $5.8 billion
· Industrial Technology $1.2 billion
· Consumer Goods & Building Technology $1.8 billion
Key Executive
Peter Marks
Chairman, President and CEO, Robert Bosch LLC Member of the Board of Management, Robert Bosch GmbH
Key Milestones
1906 -- Robert Bosch New York, later known as the Bosch Magneto Company, incorporated in New York City.
1909 -- The first Bosch North American manufacturing facility opened in Springfield, Mass., providing ignition systems to automakers.
1952 -- Bosch launched North American headquarters in Broadview, Ill.
1955 -- Bosch opened first office in Mexico. In 1985, Robert Bosch de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. is created.
1972 -- Bosch established its presence in Detroit, opening a sales office in Southfield, Mich. for greater proximity to its U.S. based automotive customers. Bosch North American automotive headquarters is later opened in 1983.
1974 -- Bosch began production of fuel injection equipment at its newly established manufacturing plant in Charleston, SC.
1976 -- Robert Bosch Packaging Machinery is founded in Piscataway, NJ. In 2004, Bosch Packaging Technology acquired SIG Doboy Inc., a leading manufacturer of packaging machinery, to expand and diversify its market position.
1979 -- Bosch opened first office in Canada; Bosch Automotive Aftermarket opened its first distribution center in Atlanta, GA.
1980 -- Robert Bosch Tool Corporation established in New Bern, NC. In 1992, Bosch and Emerson Electric Company formed a joint venture, S-B Power Tool Company, to join the most respected brands in the industry – Bosch, Skil and Dremel. In 2002, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation Headquarters was established in Mt. Prospect, Ill. The following year, it acquired RotoZip Tool Corporation to expand its product portfolio.
1996 -- The global acquisition of hydraulic foundation brakes and ABS from AlliedSignal positioned Bosch as the leader in braking systems technology.
1997 -- Bosch Automation Technology formed, consolidating Racine Fluid Power, Surftran Industrial Controls and Weldun Automation products. In 2000, Bosch Automation Technology merged with Mannesmann Rexroth, forming Bosch Rexroth AG, enhancing its presence in the North American industrial technology market. The BSH Home Appliances Ltd. Partnership, now BSH Home Appliances Corporation, established in North America. Local manufacture of dishwashers began at its manufacturing site in New Bern, NC.
2001 -- The global acquisition of Detection Systems, Inc. and 2002 purchase of Philips Communication, Security and Imaging resulted in the creation of Bosch Security Systems. The business established Bosch's security technologies in North America.
2005 -- The Bosch Group acquired 100 percent of Controlled Energy Corporation (CEC), establishing a strong base of Bosch thermotechnology products as a part of the BBT Thermotechnology in North America.
2006 -- Bosch acquired Purolator filter business as part of a joint venture with MANN+HUMMEL; Telex Communications, a Minneapolis-based company boosting Bosch's communications systems activity; Intelligent Hydraulic Drive (IHD) activities from Dana Corporation, accelerating development and commercialization of hydraulic hybrid vehicle technologies.
2007 Bosch acquisitions include:
· FHP Manufacturing, a leading supplier in the heat-pump industry.
· Health Hero Network, a leading innovator of technology solutions for remote health monitoring.
· RoboToolz, a leading manufacturer of innovative leveling laser products.
· Extreme CCTV, a technology leader in active infrared illuminators, environment cameras and license plate capture systems.
· Holger Christiansen Group, a remanufacturer of starters and alternators, as well as a dealer in automotive electrics spare parts.
· Pacifica Group, a leading manufacturer of brake calipers, parking brakes, and brake components for the automotive equipment and spare parts business.
Awards and Recognition
· Bosch, with Ricardo Inc. and the University of Michigan received a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop advanced powertrain systems that combine the efficiency of direct injection with use of renewable E85 fuels.
· Bosch received the 2007 DaimlerChrysler Diversity Supplier Development Corporation of the Year award.
· Dremel brand commemorates its 75 years anniversary.
· Gilmour received Lowe's 2007 Vendor of the Year, Ace Hardware Lawn and Garden Vendor of the Year and Do-It Best Hardware Lawn and Garden Vendor of the Year awards in 2007.
· Bosch received the Department of Energy's prestigious Excellence in ENERGY STAR(r) Promotion Award, as well as the 2007 Flex Your Power Award.
· Bosch Rexroth celebrates 40 years in the U.S.
· Bosch Security Systems' approach to recording IP video was awarded the 2007 Video Surveillance Emerging Technology of the Year award by Frost & Sullivan.
· Bosch FlexiDome IP cameras were voted best in class of video surveillance products and received a New Product Showcase award from the Canadian Security Association.
· In a reader's choice poll published by Music & Sound Retailer, Electro-Voice won Manufacturer of the Year for 2007.
Automotive Technology
· Powertrain
Internal combustion engine advancement and solutions that address power and emissions needs, including continuously variable transmissions, gasoline direct injection and diesel systems and components.
· Chassis
Complete range of braking systems and components, from foundation and actuation products through modulation technologies. Products include electronic stability control (ESC), which reduces loss of control and improves steering ability in extreme situations, and antilock brake systems (ABS), designed to maintain steering ability during emergency braking situations.
· Electronics
Active and passive safety systems, as well as convenience and driver assistance features. Products include ParkPilot(tm), which measures the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle, helping to eliminate accidents, and adaptive cruise control (ACC), which automatically adjusts acceleration, deceleration and braking in changing traffic conditions to relieve drivers of repetitive adjustments.
· Electrical drives, Starters and Generators
· Aftermarket
Broad variety of replacement parts and systems available through service dealers, retailers and specialty aftermarket distributors. Products include spark plugs, wiper blades, oil, air and fuel filters, alternators, starters, oxygen sensors and gasoline and diesel engine management components.
· Blaupunkt
A wide range of high performance car audio, video and navigation products for aftermarket and OEM sales, plus 24-volt systems for coaches and other commercial vehicles.
Industrial Technology
· Bosch Rexroth
Offers all relevant drive, control and motion technologies from mechanics, hydraulics and pneumatics to electronics and associated services.
· Bosch Packaging Technology
Specializes in packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries, as well as processing and packaging solutions for the confectionery industry.
Consumer Goods & Building Technology
· Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
Designs, manufactures and sells power tools and accessories, rotary tools and accessories and lawn and garden equipment under the brand names Bosch, Skil, Dremel, RotoZip, Vermont American and Gilmour.
· Bosch Security Systems
Complete security solutions for intrusion, fire, closed circuit television surveillance, access control and management systems for airports, banks, government offices, businesses and homes.
· Bosch Thermotechnology
Heating, hot water and ventilation systems, including Bosch AquaStar tankless water heaters.
· Bosch and Siemens Home Appliances
The joint venture between Robert Bosch GmbH and Siemens AG is the third largest appliance manufacturer in the world. Products include dishwashers, ovens, cooktops, ranges, ventilation, small appliances and vacuums sold under the Bosch, Siemens, Thermador and Gaggenau brands.
Carnegie Bosch Institute
In 1990, Robert Bosch Corporation provided a major endowment to begin the Carnegie Bosch Institute (CBI), an alliance between Carnegie Mellon's Graduate School of Industrial Administration and the Bosch Group. CBI supports, educates and develops globally minded managers to improve their understanding of the fundamentals of global business practice.
http://cbi.gsia.cmu.edu
CONTACT:
Chandra Lewis
Robert Bosch LLC
(248) 876-6731
Chandra.Lewis@us.bosch.com
www.boschusa.com
Corporate Backgrounder - July 2008
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