Bosch Celebrates 125 Years of Technological Innovations

World’s leading supplier of automotive technologies and developer of industrial, consumer goods and building technology – Germany’s Bosch Group – celebrates its 125th Founding Anniversary in 2011.

In 1886, Robert Bosch established the “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering” in Stuttgart – paving the way for the birth of the Bosch Group, which today stands with over 285 thousand employees in 150 countries worldwide. This year also marks the 150th year of the company founder’s birth.

The multinational company’s local flagship, Robert Bosch Inc., joined the global organization in commemorating its milestone year via an anniversary gala held at the Dusit Hotel’s Grand Ballroom recently. The formal sortie was attended by no less than guest-of-honor, His Excellency Christian-Ludwig Weber-Lortsch, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Philippines – with whom the company shares a special affinity and whose diplomatic mission the company supports in terms of bilateral trade development.

Celebrity host David Celdran provides distinction to the Bosch recognition program.

Other honored guests include Sec. Lilia de Lima, PEZA Director General; Sec. Joel Villanueva, TESDA Director General; and Doctors Daniel and Thomas Zuellig of F.E. Zuellig Inc., which was responsible for the development and growth of Bosch local markets spanning 40 years from 1955 to 1995.

Bosch Philippines Managing Director Joseph Hong paid tribute to Robert Bosch during his inaugural address, citing the latter’s living biography and principles that “continue to help navigate our corporate vessel through various challenges.”Bosch valued trust above all else, including short-term profits, according to Hong as he attributes the company’s remarkable recovery from the effects of the recent global economic downturn to the principles of its founder. “This owes greatly to the restoration of trust in the global markets as well as the confidence Bosch has nurtured with its associates, customers and business partners over the years,” Hong said.

“Bosch stands for innovation, for longevity; and Bosch is international. It is ready to share its technological knowledge with partners such as the Philippines,” said Amb. Weber-Lortsch as he led the toast, following the inaugural address. His Excellency also gamely shares, “Robert Bosch was born in the same place as Albert Einstein, which seems to be a good place for creativity.”

Sec. Joel Villanueva, TESDA Director General, upon receiving the Bosch Industry Award

The Ambassador was joined by Hong, who toasted to “strong partnerships, cooperation and friendship,” and Steffen Rittner, Managing Director of the Bosch Communication Center, who toasted to “continued growth in the future and harnessing the Filipino's capabilities for the country's development.”

Some 220 guests, associates and business partners joined in the celebration, which was capped by live performances from UP choral group Windsong, UST Conservatory of Music and Philippine Philharmonic (PPO) sessionists Legato Strings and a rare act by Barbie Almalbis and Razorback’s Kevin Roy who performed a duet of U2’s “One.” The program was hosted by David Celdran.

“Invented for Life,” which stands for the company’s innovative drive to provide products that are both life-inspired and last a lifetime has been elevated as Bosch takes on a the commitment to provide environmental solutions for the preservation of life itself. Hong also underscored the company’s endeavor to sustain initiatives that benefit the moral and physical development of the people and the protection of the environment.

(L to R) Ritchie Davila, special consultant to HFH-P_ Ginny’s daughter Eileen and son-in-law Carlos Bruno

Celebrating  partnerships

The celebration honored Bosch industry partners and stakeholders, including Sec. Joel Villanueva (Industry Award), in line with the Bosch-TESDA technical cooperation that provided certificate training programs for over 11,000 skilled Filipino workers.Other honorees are former Habitat for Humanity President Alberto de Leon Jugo† (Posthumous Humanitarian Award), National Artist Eduardo Castrillo (Excellence Award – Arts) and De La Salle advertising students from class ADWRITE K32 (Creativity Award) who won the People’s Choice for best viral video.

Finally, Bosch also acknowledged the contributions of A Better Chance Foundation Chairman Lewis Edwards and Springboard Foundation President Annette Helbig to the company’s Class of 2010 adopt-a-school program, which has successfully supported the education of close to 100 high school scholars.

Windsong

Guests from both industry and society include Arturo Tan, IMI President; Michel Miloda, European Chamber General Manager; Leo Jabeguero, IDS Logistics Managing Director; Peter Wallace, Wallace Business Forum chief executive; Eddie Jose, VSO President; Eric Cruz, Deutsche Bank President; Kasigod Jamias, F.E. Zuellig (M) Inc. President; Johnny Cobankiat, ACE and Co Ban Kiat Hardware President; Michael Raeuber, Royal Cargo President; Ricky Jacinto, Habitat for Humanity Philippines President; Nadine Fund, German Chamber Chief-of-Staff; Jean Marc Freihuber, Urban Kart Manila (City Kart Racing) President; and Prateek Kumar, Dusit Thani Manila’s General Manager.

Congratulations Bosch!