Innovation strategy will secure growth for Bosch UK

Approximately 60% of Bosch’s global business is in the automotive sector. Over the year, UK staff numbers fell from 5,501 to 5,429. Bosch has 37 locations in the UK representing three business sectors – Automotive Technology; Industrial Technology; Consumer Goods and Building Technology – and the company said that all three felt the impact of the move towards recession in 2008. The decrease in car sales had a knock-on affect on Bosch’s production levels and orders from automotive customers and at its alternator manufacturing plant in Cardiff, 250 employees became redundant. The industrial technology sector was also been affected by the continued downturn in the US housing market, which resulted in a negative effect on construction machinery purchases. Bosch Rexroth, which manufactures radial piston motors at its plant in Glenrothes, Scotland had to make head-count adjustments during the course of the year to compensate for a sharp decrease in customer orders. But the company said its innovative strength ensured that there were areas of its business that were robust despite the current economic climate. In particular for Bosch UK’s consumer goods and building technology sector, the Thermotechnology division, under the brand Worcester Bosch and its Power Tools division’s lawn and garden products were proving to be resilient thanks to the ongoing development and exploration of product opportunities. A growing interest in renewable technologies meant the Bosch Thermotechnology division continued to expand its product range. The Power Tools division had also seen success through championing new lithium-ion battery technologies and cordless solutions for the lawn and garden sector. Commenting on the figures, managing director of Bosch in the UK Robert Meier (pictured) said: “In the current economic climate Bosch has had to revise its expectations for business development and there is no doubt that there are many challenges this year. Nevertheless, our focus remains on our long-term strategy. Bosch enjoys high brand awareness and perception, a great product range in all its sectors, a strong distribution system and a commitment to ongoing research and development - all of these elements create the right recipe for overcoming the challenges that face us.”