MANILA, PHILIPPINES | Effective July 1, 2017, Bosch Philippines will be under a new leadership with the appointment of Richard Walker, who will replace Andrew Powell, who, on the other hand, will be assuming a new role as managing director of Bosch Indonesia, also in July.
Under Powell, Bosch Philippines saw double digit growth in the country closing its 2016 fiscal year with US$56 million in consolidated sales in the country. Compared to the previous year, the company achieved a growth of 13 percent.
The momentum, Bosch executives said, was driven by robust growth in the area of construction, automotive and manufacturing industries, and of course, the increased consumer spending power on the back of a steady economic growth.
“With double-digit business growth for the third consecutive year, the Philippines earns a bright spot in Southeast Asia as one of the best performing markets for Bosch,” said Powell, outgoing managing director of Bosch Philippines. “We continue to see many opportunities here.”
Employee headcount in the Philippines grew by 16 percent to 530 associates over the course of 2016, due to expansion of its geographical footprint, along with Bosch’s product and solutions portfolio.
Bosch Power Tools continued to be the company’s strongest contributor to sales in the Philippines, according to the Germany-based company. The division’s revenue was fueled by heavy demand for its Contractors’ Choice mid-price product range, as well as for cordless tools for both professional users and hobbyists.
The introduction of new tools for woodworking is scheduled for 2017, including the one-battery-fits-all concept for Cordless Tools range.
“In 2016, all Bosch business divisions present in the Philippines have developed strongly”, said Powell.
The Power Tools division also expanded its online retail presence in Lazada.
For the Automotive Aftermarket division, the group said that it has achieved a double-digit increase in sales as well, making 2016 its strongest year yet.
The division’s growth, according to Bosch, was attributed to its “parts, bytes, services” philosophy, offering automotive technology with services, based on its network of 85 Bosch Car Service, Bosch Diesel Service workshops, and the opening of Express Car Service workshops nationwide.
