Bosch Optimizes Engineering Resources at Plymouth Township Technical Center

Move of Chassis Systems Control division unites 650 Bosch associates under one roof, optimizes synergies and development of advanced safety technologies
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Plymouth Township, Mich., Aug. 26, 2009 – To enhance efficiencies and synergies, Bosch has completed the relocation of its Chassis Systems Control North America division to its technical center in Plymouth Township. The facility now centrally houses sales, quality, and engineering teams among four Bosch Automotive Technology divisions. The Chassis Systems Control North America division joins approximately 320 associates from Automotive Electronics, Starter Motors and Generators, and Electrical Drives divisions.

The move enables Bosch to increase utilization of the technical center and subsequently decrease leased space in Farmington Hills by nearly 100,000 sq. ft. Furthermore, the move allows further collaboration between co-located divisions, which is especially important as vehicle safety advancements increasingly rely on research and development of advanced electronics. The divisions’ physical proximity and sharing of the facility’s 70,000 sq. ft. test laboratory will help Bosch optimize the development of technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Predictive Collision Warning (PCW), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). The Chassis Systems Control division will further leverage in-house sensor development and manufacturing systems (MEMS) expertise in developing new products.

“Bosch remains steadfast in its investment in research and development, which is necessary for continuing our leadership in safety and innovation,” said Ronaldo Reimer, regional president, Chassis Systems Control Division, Bosch North America. “As we strive to operate efficiently within today’s economy, the integration of our team at the Plymouth Township technical center provides us an ideal location in close proximity to our customers and the means to optimize Bosch’s internal technical resources to bring safety technologies to North America.”

“As the market leader for ESC in North America, our safety technologies continue to help drivers maintain control of their vehicles,” commented Reimer. ESC can prevent up to 80 percent of all skidding accidents, and is therefore a considerable boost to safety. Bosch was the first supplier to launch the system in 1995. Today, it is built into one-third of all new cars worldwide. By 2012, half of all new cars will be equipped with the system.

At its Plymouth facility, Bosch invested in updates to offices, labs, garage areas and conference rooms as well as new parking areas and a secured location for test vehicles.  While expenses totaled approximately $2.25 million, payback is expected in as soon as one year. A variety of local businesses and contractors, including The Summit Company, The Petersen Companies, Nagle Paving Company and Harley Ellis Devereaux, helped to drive the timely completion of this relocation project.

Bosch’s Plymouth Township Technical Facility at 15000 Haggerty Road opened in 2007. The $37.5 million, 225,000 sq. ft. facility sits on 76 acres and now houses 650 associates. The facility has received numerous local and industry accolades for its energy efficient design and its singular office setting that facilitates direct communication, flexibility and efficiency. The facility boasts several environment-friendly features including but not limited to: a closed-loop pump system that heats the facility by recovering heat generated from instruments in the lab area; a unique storm water management system that uses on-site wetlands, native Michigan grasses, and other natural landscaping to absorb runoff water into the soil in lieu of holding it in a retention pond.

Press Contact: Chandra Lewis
Phone: +1 248 876 6731
Email: chandra.lewis@us.bosch.com

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 280,000 associates generated sales of 45.1 billion euros ($66.4 billion) in fiscal 2008. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros ($5.7 billion), or eight percent of its sales revenue, for research and development and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy and healthcare. Bosch employs nearly 24,000 associates in more than 70 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with reported sales of $8.6 billion in fiscal 2008. For more information on the company, visit www.boschusa.com.

Note: Figures based on 2008 conversion rate of 1 Euro = $1.4710 U.S.; 2007 rate of 1 Euro = $1.3704 U.S.