Bosch, one of the world’s largest suppliers of automobile components said it expected the turnover to stand in the range of 159 million euros this year, at the same level as a year earlier, due to the the deliveries to Dacia which will increase 50% YoY.
“The deliveries to Dacia give us hope to keep our turnover in Romania at the same level. We expect the deliveries to Dacia to increase by 50% year-on-year", said the managing director of Robert Bosch, Brigitte Eble.
Bosch’s representative said it would deliver car components to ¬¬Ford manufacturer when the Romanian-based production facility will start running, as Ford is Bosch’s partner in Europe.
Bosch’s headcount in Romania could increase this year to 992 from 839 last year. In 2008, Bosch invested around 200 million euros in staff training.
“We will continue our investment strategy in Romania, although we expect 2009 to be the most challenging year in the 15-year history of the company. In our view, the first signs of stability could emerge in second half”, Elbe said.
Bosch Romania posted 161 million euro turnover in 2008, up 18.4% from 136 million euros a year earlier, despite the poor market conditions.
“Our primary growth drivers were the car components division and thermotechnology”, said Eble.
The company is currently running an investment strategy that includes the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Blaj, which started operating in December 2008. At the end of last year, Blaj-based factory had 385 workers.
Bosch Service chain expanded in 2008 with 15 new partners, now comprising 74 units in 36 cities in Romania.
