DC14003A
4/30/2014
For Immediate Use
Press Release
Bosch Rexroth expands hydraulics operation, opens new manufacturing and distribution center in Bethlehem, PA
Bethlehem campus is the Drive & Control Company’s second-largest hydraulics manufacturing operation in the U.S.
Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez joins company executives in formal opening of new hydraulics manufacturing and distribution center in Bethlehem, PA.
BETHLEHEM, PA – April 29, 2014 - Bosch Rexroth marked the opening of its new hydraulics manufacturing and distribution center in Bethlehem, PA, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and facility tour for customers, distributors and local officials. The new manufacturing facility houses the company’s valve and manifold manufacturing center for mobile and industrial hydraulics, while the new logistics and distribution facility handles shipments to over 500 customers, including its nationwide network of Drive & Control distributors.
This $2.2 million Brodhead Road expansion adds about 150,000 square feet, giving the company approximately 200,000 square feet over two buildings for the distribution and manufacturing operation.
With the expansion, Bethlehem is now home to seven Bosch Rexroth facilities across two campuses with approximately 450,000 total square feet for manufacturing, distribution, logistics, administration, service and storage – making it the company’s second-largest hydraulics operation in the U.S. behind its Fountain Inn, SC, facility which expanded last year.
In addition to valves and manifolds, the new manufacturing facility produces industrial, mobile and compact controls and provides testing and service support. The new distribution and logistics facility supports customers with functions such as shipping, receiving, logistics, quality control, traffic management and accounting. The company’s overall Bethlehem operations also include production for large hydraulic systems and power units, which are produced in its City Line Road facilities.
Customers served out of the new Bethlehem facility include those in the construction and agricultural mobile equipment industries, machine tools, presses, plastics machinery, die casting, marine and offshore, pulp and paper, specialty and test machinery, as well as its U.S. distributor network.
With a history in the Bethlehem region dating back to 1967, the company was honored last year with Pennsylvania’s 2013 “Jobs First” Governor’s ImPAct award in recognition of job growth, commitment to sustainable business practices, and for collaborative efforts within the community. In addition, earlier this year Bosch Rexroth was named one of the top places to work in the Lehigh Valley. The company’s overall Bethlehem operations employ approximately 700 people.
Bosch Rexroth Americas President and CEO, Berend Bracht, says the opening of the new center is the latest step in the company’s “local for local” strategy to expand manufacturing, service and support in the regions most appropriate for our customer base. “Not only is Bethlehem a convenient location from which to serve our hydraulics customers in North America, but this region has also played a major role in Bosch Rexroth’s history. As our business has grown here over the years, we’ve been able to add good manufacturing jobs for the region’s very capable employee base. Our expansion here is a reflection of our commitment to support sustainable business operations in the Lehigh Valley,” said Bracht.
In addition to Bethlehem and Fountain Inn, Bosch Rexroth has facilities for industrial and mobile hydraulic components located in Houston, TX; Lake Zurich, IL; Columbus, OH; and Dallas, TX. Other recent programs contributing to The Drive & Control Company’s growth include the opening of its technology and service center in Houston to serve the growing marine and offshore industry in the region; the expansion of its Charlotte, NC, linear motion and assembly products facility; and the GoTo Focused Delivery Program, which provides industry-best lead times for the delivery of thousands of Rexroth drive, control and motion products.
About Bosch Rexroth:
Economical, precise, safe, and energy efficient: drive and control technology from Bosch Rexroth moves machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile Applications, Machinery Applications and Engineering, Factory Automation, and Renewable Energies to develop innovative components as well as tailored system solutions and services. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drives and controls, gear technology, and linear motion and assembly technology all from one source. With locations in over 80 countries, more than 36,700 associates generated sales revenue of approximately 5.7 billion euros ($7.6 billion) in 2013. To learn more, please visit .
About Bosch:
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. According to preliminary figures, its roughly 281,000 associates generated sales of 46.4 billion euros ($61.6 billion) in 2013 (Note: due to a change in the legal rules governing consolidation, the 2013 figures can only be compared to a limited extent with the 2012 figures).Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology.The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 360 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 50 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries.This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth.In 2013, Bosch applied for some 5,000 patents worldwide.The Bosch Group’s products and services are designed to fascinate, and to improve the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is “Invented for life.” Additional information is available online at , and .
In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, healthcare telemedicine and software solutions. For more information, please visit , and .
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Bosch Rexroth Corporation, Corporate Communications
14001 South Lakes Drive, Charlotte, NC 28273,
Contact for Journalists:
Bosch Rexroth Corporation
Susan Strauss
2315 City Line Road
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Telephone (610) 694-8352
Fax (610) 954-8670
Godfrey Public Relations
Todd Walter
40 North Christian Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Telephone (717) 393-3831
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