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Bosch is a worldwide name in a large number of areas. These include, for example, automotive technology, automation technology, metals technology and packaging technology as well as power tools, heating technology, household appliances, security systems and broadband networks.
The "workshop for precision mechanics and electrical engineering" which Robert Bosch founded in Stuttgart in 1886, and which soon specialized in ignition systems for motor vehicles and engines of all kinds, has now become the Bosch group, which is active worldwide and is one of the largest companies in the Federal Republic of Germany in terms of turnover, which amounted to 36,4 billion Euro in 2003.
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The international orientation of Bosch started at the end of the 19th century. The first agencies were set up abroad at that time. This tradition of international activities is carried forward until today: At the beginning of 2004, the Bosch Group had approximately 232,000 associates, more than half of which were outside Germany. The company has around 258 subsidiaries and associated companies in over 50 countries. A total of 249 manufacturing sites, 185 of which are located outside Germany, support the international activities. A key part here is played by the efficient sales and customer service organization with approximately 11,000 Bosch Service centers in 130 countries.
An essential component of Bosch's corporate policy is the maintenance of its innovative force which is based upon the knowledge and competence of experienced associates. Worldwide, Bosch has around 21 000 scientists, engineers, and technicians working on the improvement of the function and reliability of existing products and on the development of new products and systems. As a result of their work, in 2003 alone patent applications were made for more than 2 748 inventions - more than ever before. This makes Bosch the second largest patent applicant in Germany, and the third largest at the European Patent Office.
To remain at the leading edge of technology and to continue to grow, Bosch invests heavily in research and development every year. Expenditures for Research and Development totalled around 2.7 billion Euro in 2003. Bosch reserves considerable funds for expanding production capacity and for production engineering. In 2003, expenditures in tangible fixed assets totalled around 2 billion Euro.
The Bosch group is chararcterized by its constitution under company law: Bosch has been one of the largest industrial foundations in the Federal Republic of Germany since June 1964. Robert Bosch Foundation owns 92 per cent of the nominal capital of Robert Bosch GmbH. Its constitution is based on the will of Robert Bosch. The foundation manages the company assets in accordance with non-profit principles, and uses the funds it receives from the profits of Robert Bosch GmbH for public-benefit purposes. The areas sponsored by the foundation include science in society, health and humanitarian aid, international relations, and youth, education and civic society. The foundation's international activities are focused on France, the U.S., Turkey, and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
