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Bosch Rexroth relies on investments for innovations

In the context of the long-term growth strategy, Bosch Rexroth invested around 460 million euros in research and development in 2023, which represented an increase of 18.5 percent compared to the previous year. More than six percent of revenues thus flowed into this area - more than the industry average. These investments are intended to consolidate the company's leading position in the field of hydraulics and drive growth in factory automation - one of Bosch's overall strategic growth fields.

In addition to the growth plans, investments in new factories, buildings, plants and machines also came into play. According to Bosch Rexroth, these amounted to around 390 million euros in 2023. With the newly opened plants in Querétaro (Mexico) and Brnik (Slovenia), the company aims to strengthen the global production network and make local supply chains more resilient to crises. And at the headquarters in Lohr, for example, the modernization of the foundry was largely completed and a new customer and innovation center was opened. Additional centers of this kind have been established in Warsaw and Budapest.

Opportunities through digitization and energy transition

Further examples of Bosch Rexroth's innovations aim at systems for the compression and handling of hydrogen, the control system "ctrlX OS" opened up for the entire automation market, for which renowned partners like Dell Technologies, Congatec or Nokia could be won. Included is also the new e-OC-capable (electronic Open Circuit) axial piston pump A10VO series 60 for the medium pressure range, which could make mobile work machines even more versatile and flexible. This is complemented by the digital collaboration platform "myBODAS" for efficient collaboration between users and the BODAS expert circle, to accelerate the software development for "Off Highway" vehicles, as well as comprehensive automation systems for the entire value stream in battery manufacturing. The spectrum ranges from electrode and cell manufacturing to battery module and pack assembly, through to the "End of Line" test and recycling. With its battery recycling, Bosch Rexroth is also nominated for the renowned industry award "Hermes Award", which is presented at the Hannover Messe.

Further strategic actions and personnel development

The acquisition of the US company Hydraforce, with its approximately 2,100 employees worldwide, was completed in the spring of 2023. Hydraforce specialises in mechanical and electrical screw-in valves and control blocks. In China, Bosch Rexroth has agreed to establish joint ventures with local partners in the areas of electrification of "Off Highway" machines and automation. They will develop, manufacture and market products specific to this region.

At the end of 2023, approximately 33,800 people were employed worldwide at Bosch Rexroth. This is 5.5 percent or around 1,800 more than the previous year. The acquisition of Hydraforce resulted in the strongest growth in the North and South America regions (a total of 40 percent or around 1,300 employees). However, after two years of job creation, the number of employees in Germany - also due to the partial relocation of activities announced in 2022 - slightly decreased (by 2.8 percent or around 400 people). Approximately 42 percent of all employees work in Germany.