Having celebrated 120 years in South Africa this year, engineering and technology company Bosch has reflected on some of the major milestones it has achieved during this period while remaining committed to local investment.

Following its founding in 1886 in Stuttgart, Germany, Bosch identified South Africa as one of its first markets outside Europe, establishing a foothold in 1906. This early move laid the foundation for deeper local investment, culminating in the formal establishment of the company in 1965.

From 1965 onwards, Bosch broadened its presence across multiple sectors, including industrial technology and consumer goods, and building and energy solutions while strengthening regional operations.

The company now employs over 1 300 employees and operates out of more than 20 locations across the country, demonstrating its commitment to South Africa’s industrial growth, technological advancement and socioeconomic development.

With sales revenue reaching R6.9-billion in 2025, South Africa is one of Bosch’s most established international markets in Africa.

“Our 120-year journey in South Africa is a testament to enduring partnership and our unwavering belief in the country’s potential,” says Bosch Africa president Dr Markus Thill.

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Alongside celebrating 120 years in South Africa, Bosch Rexroth South Africa, located in Kempton Park, Gauteng province, celebrates its sixtieth anniversary in 2026, marking six decades of “engineering excellence and innovation” in hydraulics and automation.

The “state-of-the-art Rexroth HUBB is a crucial driver for industrial localisation” and centralises production, assembly and training, enabling Bosch Rexroth to swiftly manufacture and customise heavy-duty hydraulic and pneumatic systems tailored to the African environment.

The facility also provides ‘zero-hour overhaul’ services for industrial equipment, ensuring complete restoration to original specifications.

To maximise operational efficiency and equipment uptime on high-pressure mining sites, Bosch Rexroth collaborates with Bosch professional power tools. The partnership integrates rugged, high-performance power tools and precise high-force hydraulic maintenance equipment directly into onsite mining maintenance workshops, streamlining critical repair cycles and preventing costly machinery downtime.

Meanwhile, the Bosch manufacturing facility in Brits, in the North West province, produces electromechanical automotive components such as starter motors, wiper systems and brake callipers.

Through innovation at this plant, Bosch South Africa has contributed to the product and service offering of Bosch globally.

In 2023, the first version of the Bosch Asset Tracker, now known as ASTRA, was developed at the Brits production site to meet the needs of local businesses.

Subsequently refined in 2024, the current version helps organisations improve visibility, security and control over valuable assets. It supports real-time monitoring and efficient asset management across various sectors. In logistics, ASTRA tracks cargo in transit, while in mining, the solution monitors equipment and ensures safety. In automotive applications, the solution is used to track fleets and support the recovery of vehicles, while in agriculture it tracks livestock and machinery.

Bosch’s global reputation for innovation is mirrored in its South African operations. The country has benefited from innovative Bosch technologies, from the introduction of the magneto in the late nineteenth century to the development of the anti-lock braking system and electronic stability programme.

Bosch continues to work on technologies that could have a significant impact on everyday life. Additionally, its manufacturing capabilities and partnerships with original-equipment manufacturers have positioned the company as a key player in South Africa’s automotive ecosystem, says Bosch.

Beyond its industrial footprint, Bosch consistently invests in training and education.

Over the past ten years, Bosch has provided valuable training and development opportunities to some 1 000 people through programmes such as the Youth Employment Service public- private initiative, work-integrated learning, the apprenticeship programme for millwrights, mechatronics, diesel-injection and auto electricians, as well as the graduate development programme.

The company also partners with local suppliers, contributing to the growth and development of small- and medium-sized businesses within South Africa and fostering an inclusive economy.

Bosch continues to deepen its long-standing commitment to the African continent with a significant and growing footprint. Currently, Bosch is represented in 11 African countries, representing investment in local talent and regional development.

In this vein, Bosch’s office in Morocco is a “revolutionary” eco-friendly building that sets a new benchmark for sustainable construction on the continent.

Looking ahead, the company remains focused on advancing sustainable mobility, improving energy efficiency and driving digital transformation in South Africa.