Bosch sees double digit sales hike in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Technology tools and services supplier Robert Bosch Inc. expects its sales of security system products to post double-digit growth in the Philippines this year as it sees rising demand.

 “In general, we did well globally, plus seven percent growth (in sales) and the Philippines is above that with strong double-digit growth. We expect this (growth) to continue,” Wilfred Steeman, vice president for security systems in Asia Pacific at Robert Bosch (SEA) Pte Ltd. told reporters.

He declined to give the sales generated from security systems products here last year but said that double-digit growth is expected this year due to demand for their products.

 “It (growth) is driven by security needs which are important to every country, ” he said noting that demand is expected across all segments of the firm’s security system products such as safety (fire protection), communication (sound systems) and security products.

As the firm expects sales of security systems products to continue to grow, it is also looking at expanding its distribution network.

 “Expect expansion but our set-up is different…You will not see an increase in headcount but see an increase in distributors and partners,” Matthias Bohm, general manager for security systems in the Philippines at Robert Bosch said.

Aside from increasing the number of its distributors, the firm is also studying the possibility of putting up new business hubs in the country to better serve customers.

At present, it has business hubs in Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao. Asked for plans to locally manufacture security system products, Steeman said the firm’s existing plants are not fully utilized and could still cater to an increase in demand.

The firm has plants for its security systems products in Germany, Portugal and China.

The company, a subsidiary of German firm Robert Bosch GmbH, started operating in the Philippines in 1926.

Apart from security systems, its operations here power tools, automotive aftermarket, automotive original equipment, thermotechnology, drive and control technology, packaging technology and solar energy.