120 Years of Bosch in Africa
In 2026, Bosch celebrates a major milestone in its international history: 120 years of presence in South Africa, a country that has played an important role in the company’s global development.
The story began in 1906, when Bosch employed around 600 associates in Stuttgart, the company’s birthplace. Having already expanded across Europe since 1898, Bosch took a decisive step beyond the continent by opening its first sales office in South Africa, almost simultaneously with the establishment of its first office in the United States.
To distribute products manufactured in Stuttgart, Bosch partnered with the Hamburg-based company Friedrich Hoppert & Co., which operated an office in Johannesburg. This successful collaboration continued for nearly 40 years, helping to firmly establish Bosch in the South African market.
"Collective success founded on trust, innovation, and respect."
