GEC NEWS WIREBosch ended its 2017 fiscal year with AED 2,057 billion in consolidated sales across 14 countries in the Middle East, a substantial increase of 11 percent compared to the previous year. The number of associates employed at Robert Bosch Middle East in 2017 stood at some 150. “We are very pleased with our achievements in the Middle East,” said Volker Bischoff, Vice President and General Manager, Robert Bosch Middle East. “2017 marked an exciting year for us with various expansion initiatives,” Bischoff added. “This year, we expect Bosch‘s business in the Middle East to grow in the single digit range. In spite of a more subdued GDP growth in the region, the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) continues to provide business opportunities for our products and services – especially in the building and construction sectors – and maintains efforts in diversifying local economies further.”
With its concerted focus on economic diversification, countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia are stepping up investments in infrastructure and new projects. The region is emerging as a hub for innovation and smart technologies, driven greatly by governments aiming to provide the best standards of living, and a population that has increasingly become digitally savvy. “Our connected innovations for future mobility and smart buildings, as well as our Industry 4.0 solutions and innovative consumer goods ensure that we are well-placed to support the long-term vision and aspirations of regional governments, organizations and consumers alike,” said Bischoff.
Bosch is aiming for further growth in 2018, despite the difficult economic climate. After achieving record results in 2017, and in light of economic and geopolitical risks, the Bosch Group expects its sales revenue to grow by 2 to 3 percent in 2018. “Our company is unequaled when it comes to combining comprehensive connectivity expertise with broad industry and product know-how. This is the Bosch Group’s unique selling proposition,” said the Bosch CEO Dr. Volkmar Denner
