Bosch expands into eastern Africa with regional subsidiary in Kenya

Automobile technology and services provider and consumer goods manufacturer Bosch Group has opened a new sales and service subsidiary in Nairobi, Kenya, in a bid to expand operations in the east African country.

The company will offer auto parts and testing equipment, workshop concepts, power tools, and security systems.

Given the rapid growth of Africa's population, and the increasing purchasing power of a growing middle class, the company sees huge potential for growth in Africa.

In addition, Bosch said, it expected automotive sales to rise significantly, especially in Kenya, which also makes the country an attractive proposition as a good entry point for the dynamically growing markets of eastern Africa.

''This entry into the east African market is an important milestone for Bosch. It shows the strategic importance we attach to east Africa,'' said the Bosch board of management member Uwe Raschke at the opening ceremony in Nairobi. ''Our focus is on affordable, Bosch-quality products that are adapted to the requirements of our customers.''

Before the end of the year, Bosch intends to open a further six locations in Africa - in Algeria, Angola, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Tunisia.

According to preliminary figures, the company's more than 600 associates in Africa generated sales of some 340 million euros in 2013.

Bosch has been present in Africa in various business sectors, including automotive technology, industrial technology, consumer goods, and energy and building technology - since 1906 but the focus of activities was South Africa, where there are two manufacturing sites, in Brits and Midrand in South Africa.

The facilities primarily manufacture automotive components and assemble packaging machinery. Besides, it also has regional subsidiaries in Egypt and Morocco.

The Bosch Group, a leading global supplier of technology and services, comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 360 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 50 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries.

With 281,000 employees worldwide, the Bosch Group and its associates generated sales of €46.4 billion in 2013.