BoschLive - Archive

Robert Bosch was born in Albeck, Germany, on September 23, 1861. At just 22 years old, he earned a living in the U.S. by working as a precision mechanic. He began by honing his skills at Bergmann in New York City, a firm which produced a variety of electrical equipment. Subsequently he took a position at Edison Machine Works. After spending a year in the U.S., Robert Bosch returned to Europe with mixed feelings about modern American production methods and working conditions. Following his stint in the U.S, he spent six months working for Siemens Brothers in London.

Just one year after his return to Europe, Robert Bosch opened his Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering in Rotebühlstrasse, Stuttgart, on November 15, 1886. His work there led to the development and production of the Bosch magneto ignition device. In 1902, the magneto with spark plug was launched. This product supplied increasingly fast combustion engines in cars with the ignition required. Since the U.S. was second only to Europe in motor vehicle manufacturing, Robert Bosch also began positioning himself as a supplier in the U.S. Although the good reputation of the Bosch ignition device had already spread “across the pond,” business in the U.S. was restricted to individual deliveries, since the Bosch ignition product was primarily retrofitted to used vehicles.

In 1906, when Bosch had produced its 100,000th magneto ignition device, Bosch sales executive Gustav Klein traveled to the U.S. following a successful advertising campaign to try to build up Bosch's U.S. business. It was Hugo Borst, a nephew of Robert Bosch and a sales executive of the company, who had come up with the idea for the ads. In September 1906, Klein founded Robert Bosch, New York Inc., which changed its name to Bosch Magneto Company in 1908 and expanded its business by opening branches in Chicago (1908) and San Francisco (1909).

The Bosch magneto ignition device became a key product for the rapidly growing motor vehicle industry at the start of the 20th century. These ignition devices were practically indispensable in automobiles, trucks, tractors, and aircraft. In 1910, 10,000 units per month rolled off the production line in the U.S. -- almost half of Bosch’s total production. U.S. sales grew so fast that they were higher than in Germany well into the 1910s.

Today, Bosch has approximately 80 locations and nearly 18,000 employees in the U.S. representing three Bosch Group sectors: Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology, and Consumer Goods & Building Technology.

Almost 5,800 patents have been issued to Bosch in the U.S! Products range from automotive parts and technology, security systems, industrial machinery, packaging technology, production tools, power tools, household appliances, water heaters, and lawn and garden tools.

Brand names not only include the world-renowned Bosch name. Through the years, Bosch has acquired other famous brands, including Skil, Dremel, RotoZip, Gilmour, Vermont American, Gaggenau, Thermador, and Aquastar.

In the Automotive Technology section, Bosch sees potential for growth in the U.S., in particular for the Electronic Stability Program ESP® and state-of-the-art high-pressure diesel systems. Rising fuel prices are making economical diesel vehicles increasingly attractive.

In the Consumer Goods and Building Technology sector, the successful market launch of new products is largely responsible for strong growth in sales. Power tools with small, lightweight lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are in heavy demand among DIY enthusiasts. Bosch is also experiencing strong growth in security systems, especially video surveillance and fire protection systems. The Industrial Technology sector is also making a major contribution to reviving one of the busiest inland waterways in North America, with Bosch Rexroth planning and supplying lock controls for the Welland canal. This canal enables the Niagara Falls to be bypassed safely, and overcomes a 330-feet height difference over a 27-mile stretch using eight locks.

Bosch has reinforced its market position in the U.S. since the start of 2006 with two acquisitions. Together with Mann + Hummel, Bosch acquired automobile filter manufacturer Purolator, thereby expanding its American aftermarket business. Bosch has also acquired all shares in Telex Communications Holdings.

To celebrate this key anniversary, a rolling exhibition housed in a 75-foot truck will visit customer locations, Bosch plants, large trade fairs, and technology museums until the end of the year. The company has also donated $100,000 to the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Foundation for the “A World in Motion” project. This aims to stimulate students’ interest in science and technology through educational games and experiments.

Celebrate our first 100 years with us! Visit the traveling exhibition or one of the many events listed on the Bosch U.S. centennial Web site at www.bosch.us/centennial. Or click the “Centennial Web site” link at right.