Robert Bosch, one of the world's leading names in areas such as automotives, industrial and consumer products, is a company that firmly believes in the importance of R&D and a skilled, talented workforce.

Thus, it comes as no surprise when the company broke ground last year for its new regional HQ to meet its expansion challenges and future growth plans in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region. The ceremony was graced by dignitaries such as Folkmar Stoecker, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Singapore, and Lim Siong Guan, Chairman, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).


Strategic partner

Singapore's availability of talent, excellent infrastructure and connectivity were some of the reasons why Robert Bosch decided on the city-state as its business base for Southeast Asia.

"The establishment of new divisions, the excellent growth of our business, the increasing number of associates and now the investment in our new regional headquarters, show our continued confidence in Singapore as a strategic location to support the group's business growth here in Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific," says Cem Peksaglam, President and Managing Director, Robert Bosch (SEA) Pte Ltd.

The new seven-storey building will have a gross floor area of 225,000 sq ft when completed by end 2009, and is expected to accommodate 1,200 people as the company continues to expand its operations. It has 500 employees on its books currently.

The regional HQ building, which will cost S$92 million (US$63.4 million), is also an example of Robert Bosch's commitment to push the boundaries in 'green' building design. Taking into account factors such as sustainability and energy efficiency in its design considerations, and incorporating innovative features like the External Venetian Blind system of energy conservation, the company is aiming to achieve the Building Construction Authority's (BCA) Green Mark 'Gold' rating at least. This is also in line with the Singapore government's push to develop capabilities and solutions in the clean energy sector.

"The establishment of new divisions, the excellent growth of our business, the increasing number of associates and now the investment in our new regional headquarters, show our continued confidence in Singapore as a strategic location to support the group's business growth here in Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific." - Cem Peksaglam, President and Managing Director, Robert Bosch (SEA) Pte Ltd

Regional stakeholder

In Southeast Asia alone, Robert Bosch employees number more than 3,900, and the company is confident that its sales figures will top S$1.4 billion (US$970 million), including sales to third parties, by the end of 2007 - a sure sign that it is deeply committed to growing and developing its already flourishing regional businesses.

The company, which first made its products available in Singapore in 1923, has also seen its presence in the Republic grow exponentially since. In June 2007, the company reached a significant milestone when it set up a computer data centre here to provide IT support for more than 200 of its offices based in Southeast Asia. Also in the pipeline are plans to establish an R&D centre for information technology. 2008 will also mark the 50th anniversary of Diesel Electric, Bosch's initial foray into the Singapore diesel business.

Of Robert Bosch's latest investment in Singapore, Lim says, "Bosch never makes its decisions lightly, as I saw how thoroughly and carefully it makes its strategic moves because these are moves with the long-term in view. These are important investments of people and money, and statements of serious commitment." He went on to add that the company's decision is a strong endorsement of Singapore as "a compelling location for companies to carry out corporate R&D functions and derive sustainable business advantage".

With such a display of commitment and intent to grow its regional markets from Singapore with its latest investments, one thing is clear: the mutually beneficial partnership between Robert Bosch and Singapore has never been stronger.