Bosch (company) facts for kids
Corporate Sector Research and Advanced Development in Renningen, Germany
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| Private (GmbH) | |
| Industry | Conglomerate |
| Founded | 15 November 1886 |
| Founder | Robert Bosch |
| Headquarters | Robert-Bosch-Platz 1, 70839 Gerlingen, Germany |
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Area served
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Worldwide |
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Key people
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Stefan Hartung (CEO), (CTO, CDO) |
| Products |
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| Revenue |  €91.59 billion (2023) |
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Operating income
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€4.503 billion (2023) |
| €2.640 billion (2023) |
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| Total assets | €108.33 billion (2023) |
| Total equity | €47.89 billion (2023) |
| Owners | Robert Bosch Stiftung (92%) Bosch Family (8%) |
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Number of employees
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429,416 (2023) |
| Subsidiaries |
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Robert Bosch GmbH, usually called Bosch, is a big German company. It focuses on engineering and technology. Its main office is in Gerlingen, Germany.
Robert Bosch started the company in Stuttgart in 1886. Most of Bosch (94%) is owned by the Robert Bosch Stiftung. This is a charity that uses its money for health and social causes. Even though the charity owns most shares, it doesn't have voting rights in the company.
Bosch works in four main areas:
- Mobility: This includes parts and software for cars.
- Consumer Goods: Like household appliances and power tools.
- Industrial Technology: Such as systems for factories.
- Energy and Building Technology: This covers things like heating systems and security.
Bosch is known as the biggest supplier of parts for cars in the world.
Contents
Discovering Bosch's Journey: A Company History
Early Years: 1886–1920
Bosch began in a small workshop in Stuttgart on November 15, 1886. It was called the "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering." A year later, Bosch created a special part called a magneto for gas engines.
By 1897, Bosch started putting these magneto ignition devices into cars. This made them a key supplier for car ignition systems. In 1902, Bosch's chief engineer, Gottlob Honold, invented the high-voltage magneto ignition system with a spark plug. This was a big step for cars.
In 1901, Bosch opened its first factory in Stuttgart. By 1906, they had made 100,000 magnetos. That same year, Bosch started offering an eight-hour workday for its employees. In 1910, a new factory was built near Stuttgart. Here, Bosch began making generators and "Bosch-Light" headlights for cars in 1914.
As more cars appeared, the company grew very fast. In 1901, Bosch had 45 workers. By 1908, it had more than 1,000! In 1913, Bosch started a workshop to train young people. This helped them find skilled workers for car electrics.
Bosch also grew around the world. In 1898, they opened an office in London. By 1909, Bosch had partners on every continent. They opened their first factory outside Germany in Paris in 1905. Their first factory on another continent was in the USA in 1912.
Growth and Challenges: 1920s–1945
After World War I, Bosch lost many of its international businesses. The company had to rebuild its global presence. They opened new offices in South America and Asia. For example, in 1922, they started selling goods in Calcutta, India.
In the 1920s, Bosch added many new products for cars. These included electric horns (1921), windshield wipers (1926), and turn signals (1927). In 1927, Bosch also launched special pumps for diesel engines.
Bosch also started making home products. In 1932, they bought a company that made gas appliances. That same year, they created their first electric drill and car radio. In 1933, Bosch introduced its first electric refrigerator for homes.
During the 1930s and 1940s, the company faced difficult times due to the political situation in Germany. Bosch was important for making parts for vehicles. The company supported some secret activities against the ruling powers. During World War II, Bosch's factories made parts for military vehicles and aircraft. Many workers during this time were forced laborers. Bosch spread its production to many factories to keep making parts during the war.
Bosch in the 21st Century
In 2001, Bosch bought Mannesmann Rexroth AG, which became Bosch Rexroth AG. They also opened new testing and development centers in Sweden and Germany. In 2002, Bosch bought Philips CSI, adding security and communication products to its range.
In the 2000s, Bosch developed new car technologies. These included electric hydraulic brakes and advanced fuel injection systems. They also created a cordless screwdriver with a lithium-ion battery in 2003. Bosch received the German Future Prize in 2005 and 2008 for its innovations.
Bosch invests a lot in research and development. They publish thousands of patents each year. The company is also focusing on new areas like biomedical engineering and renewable energy.
In 2012, Bosch sold its brake activities, which became Chassis Brakes International. They also decided to leave the solar energy business in 2013. In 2014, Bosch took full ownership of BSH Hausgeräte, their home appliance joint venture with Siemens. They also bought Seeo, Inc., a company working on advanced batteries.
In 2020, Bosch Packaging Technology became Syntegon. In 2021, Bosch opened a new semiconductor factory, investing $1.2 billion. This was their largest single project ever. In 2022, Bosch acquired Five.ai, a company focused on self-driving technology. They also bought Arioso Systems, a micro speaker producer. Bosch plans to invest about 3 billion euros in chip production and research over the next four years. In 2023, Bosch completed the purchase of TSI Semiconductors, a company making silicon carbide power devices.
Bosch has faced challenges related to vehicle emissions. In the past, some of their software for car engines led to higher emissions than allowed. Bosch has worked to resolve these issues.
How Bosch Works: Business Areas
The Bosch Group has four main business sectors.
Mobility Solutions: Driving the Future
This sector makes up a big part of Bosch's sales. It focuses on technology for cars. This includes engine parts, electric car systems, steering, and safety features. They also work on automated driving and communication between vehicles.
A new division, Powertrain Solutions, was created in 2018. It develops technology for all types of car engines. This includes gasoline, diesel, electric, and future fuel-cell systems.
Some brands in this sector are:
- AutoCrew
- Bosch Car Service
- ITK Engineering
- Robinair
- HC Cargo
- Zexel
- ETAS
Industrial Technology: Powering Factories
This sector makes up about 10% of Bosch's sales. It includes the Drive and Control Technology division. This division creates systems for factory automation and mobile machines.
The Packaging Technology division used to be part of this sector. It made machines for the food and medicine industries. In 2018, Bosch decided to sell this business. Now, it is called Syntegon.
Bosch also has a unit called Bosch Connected Industry. This unit develops software for factories, helping them become smarter and more connected.
Consumer Goods: For Your Home and Garden
This sector makes up about 23% of Bosch's sales. Its Power Tools division makes tools for building and gardening. This includes hammer drills, cordless screwdrivers, and jigsaws. They also make lawnmowers and hedge trimmers. Bosch focuses on powerful cordless tools and smart, web-connected tools.
Bosch also makes motors for electric bicycles. These motors have smart control systems.
This sector also includes BSH Hausgeräte GmbH. This company offers many modern and energy-efficient home appliances. Their products include washing machines, refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers. They also make small appliances like vacuum cleaners and coffee makers.
Some brands in this sector are:
- Dremel
- Siemens (under licence)
- Constructa-Neff
- Gaggenau Hausgeräte
- Thermador
Energy and Building Technology: Smart and Safe Buildings
This sector makes up about 7% of Bosch's sales. Its Building Technologies division focuses on security and communication. They offer products like video surveillance, fire detection, and access control systems. They also provide professional audio systems.
The Thermotechnology division provides systems for air conditioning and hot water. They make heating systems for homes and businesses.
Bosch Global Service Solutions offers services for businesses. Robert Bosch Smart Home GmbH creates smart home products that you can control with an app.
Some brands in this sector are:
- Dynacord
- Electro-Voice
- Telex
- Worcester Bosch
- Junkers
Other Important Bosch Businesses
The Bosch Group also has other interesting areas:
- Bosch Healthcare Solutions: This company makes products for healthcare and medical technology. In 2020, they developed a quick test for the coronavirus.
- Grow Platform GmbH: This is like an internal "start-up incubator" for new ideas within Bosch.
- Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH (Bosch Ventures): This company invests in new and innovative start-up companies around the world. They look for companies working on technologies important to Bosch's future.
Bosch Around the World: Locations
Bosch has a huge network of over 440 smaller companies and offices. They work in more than 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch's global network covers almost every country. About 64,500 people work in research and development at 125 locations worldwide.
Bosch in the UK
In the UK, Bosch's main office is in Denham, Buckinghamshire. They have about 5,200 employees there. There are also about 40 other Bosch locations across the country. These include places like Coventry, Liverpool, and Worcester.
In the UK, Bosch sells and supports all its products. They also make boiler systems, mobile hydraulics, and lawn and garden products. In 2019, Bosch opened its London Connectory. This is a special space for different groups to work together on new ideas.
Bosch in North America
In North America, Robert Bosch LLC has its main office in Farmington Hills, Michigan. They have three research centers in places like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Sunnyvale, California. Factories and distribution centers are in many cities, including Anderson, South Carolina and Charleston, South Carolina.
Bosch also has offices in Brazil and Mexico. In North America, Bosch employs about 24,750 people in 80 locations. In 2017, Bosch launched its first "Connectory" in Chicago. This is a place where people can work together on new IoT ideas.
Bosch in India
Bosch first came to India in 1922. For 30 years, they only imported products. In 1951, Motor Industries Company Ltd. (MICO) was started. Bosch bought a large part of it. MICO became the main distributor. In 1953, a factory was built in Bangalore to make Bosch products. They also started training young people. By 1961, 2,000 people worked at the Bangalore plant. MICO was renamed Bosch Limited in 2008.
Bosch India has a big business with over 31,000 employees. Most of their money comes from car parts. They also have research and development centers in India. These are Bosch's largest R&D operations outside Germany. In 2014, Bosch launched a special eye-care solution in India. This system helps provide affordable eye care.
In 2022, Bosch's software arm in India changed its name to Bosch Global Software Technologies.
Working Together: Joint Ventures
BSH Hausgeräte: Home Appliances
BSH Hausgeräte GmbH is one of the top three home appliance companies in the world. Bosch bought all shares in 2014. BSH is a market leader in Germany and Western Europe. It includes well-known brands like Bosch, Siemens, Gaggenau, and Neff. Bosch home appliances for North America are mostly made in a factory near New Bern, North Carolina.
EM-motive: Electric Motors
In 2011, Daimler AG and Bosch started a joint company called EM-motive GmbH. They worked together to develop and make electric motors for cars. In 2019, Bosch bought the remaining shares and took full control of the company.
SB LiMotive: Car Batteries
In 2008, Bosch and Samsung SDI formed a joint company called SB LiMotive. They built a factory in Korea to make lithium-ion battery cells for hybrid and electric vehicles. This partnership ended in 2012, with both companies focusing on car batteries separately.
Static ADAS Calibration: Car Safety Systems
In 2020, Bosch and Mitchell International teamed up. They created a wireless tablet to help repair shops with car safety systems. In 2021, they launched a system called MD-TS21. This system helps repair facilities quickly and accurately calibrate sensors for ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) in cars.
How Bosch is Run: Corporate Affairs
Robert Bosch GmbH is special because it's a very large company that is mostly owned by a charity. The Robert Bosch Stiftung (Robert Bosch Foundation) owns 92% of the company's shares. This means that most of the profits go back into the company to help it grow. Also, almost all profits given to shareholders are used for good causes.
The Robert Bosch Foundation holds most shares but has no voting rights. The Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG (a trust with former managers and Bosch family members) has most of the voting rights. The remaining shares and votes belong to Robert Bosch's family.
Bosch invests a lot of its money into research and development. They spend about 9% of their income on it. This is almost double what other companies in their industry spend.
Quality and Environment
Many Bosch locations have special certifications for quality (ISO 9001) and protecting the environment (ISO 14001).
Caring for the Environment
In 2019, Bosch announced a plan to become "fully carbon-neutral" by 2020. This means they aim to have no net impact on the climate. They planned to do this by investing in clean electricity and programs that reduce carbon.
Working with Universities
Bosch has a special partnership with the Technische Universität Darmstadt, a university in Germany.
See also
In Spanish: Robert Bosch GmbH para niños
- Continental AG
- Knorr-Bremse
- Siemens
