Germany's Bosch Group eyes renewable energy ventures, projects under PPP

Germany's Bosch Group eyes renewable energy ventures, projects under PPP

By LEE C. CHIPONGIAN

June 4, 2011, 1:05am

MANILA, Philippines — German-based Bosch Group is interested in participating in the government’s public-private partnership (PPP) program, in several supply contracts in the renewable energy sector, as well as further growing its electronics operations in the Philippines.

"We are always looking for opportunities in the Philippines and we would like to promote (the country) as an investment (site),” said Joseph Hong, managing director of Robert Bosch Inc. Philippines. “We really have to sell the Philippines because it has a huge domestic market.”

Bosch Philippines is considering looking into some of the Aquino government’s PPP and the RE sector. "It all depends on the set of incentives,” said Hong.

The German company operates an automotive after-market and power tools business locally, and in 2008 it set up a business process outsourcing site. In addition to drives and controls (hydraulics), packaging technology and security systems in the country, Bosch recently added thermo-technology (heating systems) and automotive original equipment (OE) to its local portfolio.

For this year, the company expects to grow by 20 percent, modest compared to 2010’s 23 percent growth. Hong predicts that the global recovery in the automotive industry last year may continue in 2011, especially from sustained demand for power tools and automotive, and the strong market for replacement and maintenance.

Hong said the company is particularly keen on electronics manufacturing as possible investments, to complement existing manufacturing operations in China, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Korea and India.

In a press statement, Bosch said its local business generated 16 million euros last year while it first quarter results support sustained growth.

Overall the Bosch Group – a leading global supplier of innovative technologies and services in the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods and building technology – generated sales of 47.3 billion euros in 2010, up 24 percent year-on-year.

In Asia Pacific, Bosch sales grew by 43 percent to 11 billion euros in 2010, representing 23 percent of the Bosch Group’s sales, and making it the second most important region for sales after Europe.

Last year Bosch Philippines grew by 23 percent, generating sales of 16 million euros in 2010. The company also experienced a strong first quarter 2011 with brisk sales generated through its automotive aftermarket and power tools business divisions, which grew by 19 and 49 percent, respectively.

“The company’s strong growth in the Philippine market during the past year validates the Bosch Group’s long-term strategy for the country,” Hong said. “Diversification through innovative products as well as business lines and our expanded local presence contributed to the very positive development last year.”

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