Bosch has been around since 1886, and in the many decades since, it has become a total powerhouse. The company has spread all across the world, and now has a number of divisions dedicated to developing exciting technologies that make our lives easier.
The story of Bosch isn’t just a story of technological innovation, but also an inspiring tale of perseverance in the face of even the toughest of times. Want to understand how Bosch became such a revered name in its industry? Then you’ll definitely want to read below. Our reliant tech experts have combed through the history books, to trace a path between the company’s humble origins, and its current industry dominance!
The 1880s – The Very Beginning
1886 – The Company Is Founded
In 1886, young engineer and ever-curious inventor Robert Bosch established the company that would quickly capture hearts across the world. The company was originally founded in a small workshop in Stuttgart Germany. Before the company took on the name of its founder, it was first known as “Workshop For Precision Mechanics And Electrical Engineering”. This company was dedicated to manufacturing all kinds of mechanisms and electrical systems. Essentially, the company would produce anything the local people wanted.
In 1886, a young Robert Bosch founded the “Workshop For Precision Mechanics And Electrical Engineering”. Here, Bosch would develop a magneto ignition system that would eventually be used in cars across the world.
The company’s founder, Robert Bosch, was born in 1861, and from a very young age, he always had a very natural curiosity. Despite being naturally very intelligent, young Robert actually found school very tiring and boring. In fact, there weren’t many signs to suggest that he would ever become such a prized engineer in the future!
However, Bosch’s constant drive to innovate and improve people’s lives naturally led him to invent products and take up engineering. As the years passed, Robert soon became very passionate about engineering. This passion would prove vital throughout the decades.
1887 – The Magneto Ignition System
In 1887 the first successful Bosch product was unveiled. The magneto ignition system allowed for gas engines to be booted up within an instant. In no time at all, these magneto ignition systems began selling in their hundreds. Numerous devices across Germany soon were being powered by Bosch ignition systems.
This early success encouraged Bosch to start franchising using his name. Soon, products produced in the warehouse were emblazoned with the Bosch name. This would lead to the development of the Bosch brand which is still recognised to this day.
1893 – Improving The Magneto Ignition System
In 1893, Bosch was approached by Frederick Richard Simms who had noticed the ongoing success of the company’s magneto ignition systems. Simms approached Bosch with a proposition to improve these ignition systems for use in cars.
Of course, this would prove to be a landmark moment for the company. Over the next few years, Bosch would be behind a number of automobile innovations. Without these innovations, the cars of today would likely look very different!
Over the course of the next few years, the Bosch company, alongside Simms worked to improve the magneto ignition system. They became more powerful and much quicker. This made them perfect for cars, and soon, they were being employed in automobiles across the country.
The 1900s – Expanding Operations
1901 – The First Bosch Factory
With sales continuing to climb year on year, Bosch decided to open up a new factory in Stuttgart. This allowed the company to massively speed up production. This naturally helped the company to grow across the nation, as more and more cars were fitted with the newfangled magneto systems!
As the factory became more and more successful, it also grew physically. The factory extended and took up more and more land, to create space for production.
Within the same period, the company had also begun to expand its operations across Europe. In the UK, the company opened its first international branch, under the name “Simms-Bosch”. The company also purchased property in France, where it operated under “Automatic Magneto Electric Ignition Company Ltd.”.
1903 – Showing Off At The Gordon Bennett Cup
Because Bosch’s magneto systems were being used in automobiles, the best way to advertise them was to show them off in action! In 1903, the Gordon Bennett Cup took place. This was one of the world’s first big motor races, and nations from all across the globe showed up to represent themselves.
Bosch first showed off its magneto ignition systems at the Gordon Bennett Cup of 1903. At this motor race, the company was able to prove that Bosch-powered cars could power through any weather!
Belgian driver Camille Jenatzy took the wheel of a car equipped with the magneto ignition system, and wowed spectators. The cup was beset with harsh weather conditions, but the car managed to make short work of all of it!
Attendance at this event allowed Bosch to make a name for itself in no time. The company’s reputation had solidified itself, and now everyone wanted to see what Bosch had to offer.
1906 – Reaching The United States
The company first expanded into the United States in 1906, and within mere days, customers were already clamouring to fit their cars with the company’s magneto devices.
Some genius marketing pasted into the pages of American newspapers helped to quickly spread awareness of the company. As soon as the company fully reached the shores of the US, it had already made nearly a million dollars!
The success in the United States simply continued with every year. In fact, sales of magneto ignition systems were so good that the company opened up its first US factory in Massachusetts. This allowed the company to produce and sell its own products entirely domestically!
The 1910s – Bosch Corners The Market
1913 – Bosch Spreads Worldwide
By 1913, the company had expanded its international operations so successfully that it now generated 80% of its profits from outside of Germany. Within the space of just a few years, Bosch had gone from a locally-recognised name to a veritable global superpower.
The magneto ignition system had totally revolutionised the world of cars, and this allowed the company to open sales branches and factories across the globe. By the middle of the decade, 90% of cars in the UK had been fitted with magneto ignition systems.
Bosch had truly cornered the market, and become one of the biggest early names in the automotive industry.
1914 – Bosch Expands Its Portfolio
Across the 1910s, cars became immensely popular, and many households had now adopted them as part of their daily lives. With a customer base now fully built, and ready for the company’s next automotive innovation, Bosch decided to expand its product portfolio.
With cars now faster than ever, customers became increasingly concerned about safety. This led Bosch to develop a number of important safety features still used in cars today.
The most important of these innovations was the “Bosch Light”. This was an electrically powered lighting system that was fixed to the roof of the car, and the hood. These lights illuminated the road during the night. For safer driving at all times of day! These would naturally evolve into the headlights that are now an essential part of every modern car.
1914 – The First World War Halts Progress
1914 – The First World War
Unfortunately, despite the company’s fantastic progress in the past decade, it would all be halted with the arrival of the First World War.
With the country heading into war, many of the company’s employees were drafted to fight. This not only halted the production of products but also put a complete stop to research and development. For a company that is tirelessly dedicated to innovation and improvement, this proved to be a particularly heavy blow.
Unfortunately, the First World War had a heavy impact on Bosch. While the company had reported record profits only a few years before, the War forced the company to cease its overseas expansion!
Foreign trade also stopped entirely. Within just a matter of days, Bosch had gone from a massive multinational company to an entirely local one.
The company was also tasked with manufacturing and designing armaments and weapons for the war effort. While this allowed the company to stay afloat, it proved very demoralising for the entire company!
1918 – Recovering From World War I
Unfortunately, more than 400 former employees of Bosch were killed in action during the First World War. Those who did return found themselves facing an uncertain future.
The company had long since ceased trading internationally. Competing brands had already taken a lot of the company’s former thunder in international markets. The company had also lost a few of its former patents.
But, founder Rober Bosch was nothing if not pragmatic. Within just a few short years, the company had begun reaching out into international markets once again and began turning a profit once more. However, it would be some years before the company would return to its former glory.
To face the future with a sense of confidence, the company designed a new logo, with an anchor-like design. Of course, this original logo would become the one that is still recognised to this day!
The company also expanded its product portfolio even further, now providing car horns and wipers. These would prove quickly successful, and obviously very influential, as these technologies are still found in cars today!
1925 – Assembly Line Production
Bosch’s various factory facilities had already proven incredibly successful and efficient. However, moving into the future, these factories would simply not be enough. If Bosch wanted to keep up with the fast-moving competition, it needed to improve its efficiency even further!
In 1925, Bosch factories shifted over to an assembly line system. This meant that each individual in the factory was responsible for a distinct part of the assembly process. This small change helped to increase efficiency exponentially. Where it once took a factory numerous days to produce a range of products, this new system allowed factories to produce products in less than 5!
1932 – Foreign Sales Recover
Before the First World War, Bosch’s international profits were immense. As we noted earlier, foreign markets accounted for more than 80% of the company’s total profits. However, in the wake of the war, the company largely struggled to return to its former financial glory.
It took around a decade for the company to begin turning a regular profit in international markets. This came after years of tireless work networking with foreign markets to get Bosch products into the hands of customers.
In countries across Europe, and even in Australia and Japan, Bosch found a number of production partners who would help to manufacture goods sold under the company name. In 1932, as a result of these networking efforts, the company’s international profits finally climbed once again!
Back in Germany, Robert Bosch himself was making strides to improve the working conditions in the country. He was actually one of the first business owners to implement the eight-hour working day. This meant that employees had much more free time outside of their working hours. This also meant that they were more motivated and far happier!
The company also started to expand its portfolio even further to include power tools and other products.
1933 – The First Bosch Fridge
Bosch fridge freezers are now commonplace in homes across the world. Modern Bosch fridges now come with all manner of smart technologies packed into them. So, they not only help food to last longer, but they can also act as the hub of the contemporary kitchen space. VitaFresh technology, for instance, helps to keep fruit and vegetables fresh and crisp by regulating humidity levels.
Bosch fridges are now some of the most popular in the world. The first of these influential appliances was released in 1933, and boasted a round design with a 60-litre capacity!
But, we wouldn’t have the fantastic Bosch fridge freezers we have today if the company hadn’t released its first model in 1933. This first model had a round design and a total capacity of 60 litres. The fully metal fridge came with a latching door that kept the cold air tightly packed in.
Over the years, Bosch would of course iterate its range of fridges and freezers. In 1949, the company unveiled slimline models that took up far less space but now had much greater capacity. Modern Bosch fridges now place an emphasis on efficient design. So they’re much thinner but offer unparalleled storage space.
1939 – The Second World War Halts Progress… Again
1939 – The Second World War
Unfortunately, the company’s efforts towards rebuilding itself would prove futile with the beginning of the Second World War.
Since the company would be looking at international trade being ceased once again, it quickly took up work creating armaments. Again, this helped to keep the company afloat during these especially turbulent times across Germany.
However, Robert Bosch would not quietly give in to the demands of the ever-encroaching Nazi party. In secret, Robert worked alongside his associates to counter the Nazi party’s plans.
One way that the Bosch company quietly rebelled against Hitler’s regime was by employing a massive number of Jewish employees. Giving these Jewish employees strong employment contracts effectively prevented them from being deported. Bosch also helped to fund emigration, so that Jewish people and former employees could escape the country.
In fact, Robert Bosch was also close friends with Carl Goerdeler, who was the leader of a local resistance movement in Germany. Carl himself was behind one of the closest assassination attempts against Hitler, in 1944.
Robert Bosch held very liberal views throughout his life, and always sought for his work to benefit humanity. Unfortunately, he sadly passed away in 1942. However, even in death, his humanitarian views continued to endure. The majority of his remaining earnings were sent to local charitable causes, as stipulated in his final will.
1945 – The Aftermath Of WWII
During the events of World War II, more than half of the Bosch facilities in Germany had been attacked, and now lay in complete disrepair. Once again, returning employees faced the Herculean task of rebuilding from the ground up. And they had to do it entirely without the company’s founder!
To keep itself afloat in the rocky postwar years, Bosch focused its efforts on manufacturing an array of products. These included saucepans, umbrellas, and other useful products. As the factory workers kept themselves busy, the company focused on rebuilding all of its destroyed facilities.
The company also produced spark plugs that were installed in cars across the country.
The 1950s – Back To Square One
1950 – A Return To Racing
To help get the company back on track, it was decided to rely on some tried and trusted methods. In 1950, the company made a return to racing. Some top race cars were fitted with Bosch parts. As in the original 1903 Gordon Bennett Cup, the cars performed excellently and demonstrated the expertise of the company in producing top-class car parts.
The return to racing helped to reinforce faith and trust in the company. Very quickly, people were reminded that Bosch products are built to last, and can be depended on.
Over the course of the decade, Bosch began to expand internationally once again. Luckily, the company still had a number of lasting connections that it could rely on to get up and running again. Unfortunately, because WWII had so thoroughly halted foreign trade, it would take some time for the company to start generating a steady profit from overseas.
1952 – The Bosch Food Processor
With Bosch fridges now populating kitchens across the world, the company sought to make domestic tasks even easier. It did this with the introduction of its first food processor. With households now busier, and with meals now much easier to prepare at home, the food processor made it easier to chop all kinds of foods, ready for cooking.
It could even knead dough, so families could bake their own bread or sweet pastries!
1958 – The First Bosch Washing Machine
In 1958, Bosch unveiled its first washing machine model. This top-loading washing machine could handle all kinds of laundry tasks and helped to unburden homeowners from laboriously hand-washing their laundry.
Of course, in Germany, these washing machines sold incredibly well, and paved the way for Bosch’s future models. Over the coming decades, Bosch washing machines would improve exponentially. Not only would they become even more energy efficient, with some modern models now boasting “A” ratings, but they would also offer greater capacities. Perfect for larger families.
Bosch’s first washing machines were released in 1958. At the time, more women were entering the workforce, so washing machines freed them from spending hours slaving away washing clothes by hand!
Now, Bosch is one of the leading names in home laundry. The company now sells a range of smart models that can be controlled entirely from your phone. These modern models can also take better care of laundry of different types thanks to expertly engineered drums.
In the same year, Bosch also started producing electrical components for use by other companies. These were initially met with some scepticism, but they proved effective and allowed the company to pave its way smoothly into electronics.
The 1960s – Bosch Seeks To Further Innovate
1960 – New Divisions
Across the majority of the 1960s, the company shifted its focus to research and development. With a loyal domestic customer base and a growing market overseas, the company sought to diversify its portfolio further.
To support this further diversification, the company set up a number of divisions, each focused on a different aspect of the company. For instance, the company set up a dedicated division to focus on power tools!
By 1963, the company had even set up a Packaging Technology division, which was already helping a number of companies.
1964 – The First Bosch Dishwasher
There are few chores worse than slaving away at the sink and washing the dishes. Luckily, for many homeowners at the time, Bosch totally revolutionised domestic life in 1964. That same year, the company released its first dishwasher.
Early Bosch dishwashers might have been slightly limited in terms of total capacity, but they quickly proved popular. Now, as a result of their popularity, you’re likely to find Bosch dishwashers in kitchens all across the world.
In the years since the first model, Bosch dishwashers have been improved in countless ways. Modern Bosch dishwashers are now much more energy efficient and can clean heaps of dishes without using excesses of water or electricity. They also come with flexible storage racks, so users can create the perfect storage space for every last item.
1967 – The Bosch Washer-Dryer
At the time, in order to quickly dry clothes after washing them, homeowners had to buy both washing machines and dishwashers. Having both appliances in one space proved difficult as they both took up a lot of floor space. Luckily, in 1967, Bosch announced its first line of tumble dryers.
These tumble dryers combined the function of both washing machines and tumble dryers into one convenient appliance. This made them perfect for smaller homes, and especially for large households with numerous family members.
Bosch still manufactures a number of washer dryer models to this day, built off of decades of innovation. Since their inception, they’ve been improved in a number of ways. For instance, some Bosch washer dryers now come with steam functions that keep wrinkles from appearing in the fabrics. So there’s no need to break out the iron every time you wash your clothes.
The 1980s – Bosch Moves Into The Modern Age
1983 – Bosch Returns To The American Market
In 1983, Bosch made a full return to the American market that it had fully breached decades before. Until that point, the company had lost its brand rights in the country, so it had to work tirelessly to get them back. In no time, the company was back up and selling in what is now one of its largest markets.
In 1983, after a prolonged hiatus, Bosch reentered its most profitable market. That year, the company regained its branding rights and began selling across the nation. It also built a number of new factories!
The company got the ball rolling very quickly, thanks to its prior experience in the market before the war!
In the same year, the company also expanded its production efforts, with a number of factories built across Asia. This allowed the company to produce and sell products within the same markets. The company proved especially profitable in Japan at this time!
1984 – Entering Telecommunications
Many of Bosch’s contemporary competitors now have dedicated divisions focused on telecommunications. A little known fact is that Bosch actually entered the market briefly in the 1980s!
The division originally focused on manufacturing parts for space satellites and for the earliest mobile phone models. This division proved pretty successful early on but did not endure throughout the decade.
In the same decade, Bosch also put together a Security Systems Division. The telecommunications division was actually folded into the Security Systems division, which still functions to this day! This division specialises in selling security cameras and other similar systems.
The 1990s – The Fall Of The Iron Curtain
1989 – The Fall Of The Iron Curtain
In November of 1989, at the turn of the decade, the Berlin Wall finally fell. This marked a fantastic opportunity for Bosch to expand into markets that had long been left untapped.
The fall of the Iron Curtain allowed Bosch to open a number of new stores and production facilities. This helped to further expand the reach of the company and open up new business opportunities.
It also allowed for overseas revenue to rise to its highest levels since the First World War!
The company also set up new facilities and stores across Asia and in the previously untouched Chinese market. In 1994, the company was able to fully begin operations in the country. Since then, China has proven to be one of the company’s biggest markets!
1995 – The Bosch Sat Nav
Much of the company’s history can be charted based on just its innovations in the world of automobiles. The company has produced a number of important technologies that have made driving more convenient, and even safer.
In 1995, the company released its first sat-nave system. It proved immensely popular, and despite its relative simplicity, it helped drivers to more confidently navigate while driving.
The 2000s And Beyond
The 2010s – Smart Appliances Enter Homes
Across the 2010s, the company focused more and more on smart appliances and home technologies. Bosch appliances left, right, and centre all received exciting updates to make them much smarter.
Throughout the 2010s, Bosch’s major focus was on producing state-of-the-art smart appliances. These smart appliances allow for easier control by the user, and improved efficiency for a happier planet and happier customers!
Smart appliances like Bosch dishwashers and Bosch tumble dryers allow users to connect to the internet so that they can control the device entirely from their mobile phones. Smart technologies also help to make appliances more eco-friendly. For instance, Bosch washing machines now come with smart weight sensors that can detect the amount of laundry placed into the drum. This allows the washing machine to determine how much water and electricity is needed for the job.
The 2020s And The Future
Now, with Bosch smart appliances populating homes across the world, the company is seeking out ways to make existing products even smarter.
Currently, the company has its sights set on the new frontier of AI technology. AI technology could help to make Bosch dishwashers and other appliances more efficient and to provide a more personalised experience.
The company is also focused on giving consumers the tools to create truly smart homes. Now, the vast majority of Bosch products can connect to the internet for total remote control via a smartphone.
The company’s tireless innovation within the automotive industry also continues with its endeavours to create self-driving cars. While we might still be a way off from self-driving cars populating our motorways, with Bosch behind the wheel, the future is certainly looking bright!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Did Bosch Do During WWII?
To stay afloat during the tumultuous Second World War, the Bosch company shifted its focus to manufacturing weapons for the war effort. However, secretly, the founder Robert Bosch was working to thwart Hitler’s plans. The company hired more Jewish employees to protect them from deportation, and even funded emigration for many persecuted Jews!
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