Bosch India News Corporate magazine from Bosch India
Cover Story “We are Bosch!” Lead Story Chancellor Merkel and Prime Minister Modi visit Bosch in Bengaluru Impact Bosch lends helping hand to Nepal earthquake victims
December 2015
2 | Contents
Bosch India News | December 2015
Editorial Dear Readers, A visitor to Bosch in the past few months would have seen some unusual posters around our plants and facilities. The visual is distinctive, with a “We are Bosch” claim in bold, red lettering and a pale blue globe with our associates’ pictures on it. This is our new mission statement, effective since January 1 this year. It’s not every day that a company gets a new mission statement. And to be involved in the launch and rollout of that statement is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our cover story of this edition of Bosch India News focuses on We are Bosch and its launch and rollout through our locations here in India.With this statement, all of us at Bosch India have a clear understanding of what is expected of us in this rapidly changing world. This new statement is easily accessible and compact and in keeping with the evolving demographics of the company. Bosch was also honored in October to play host to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It was a historic event, and highlighted how the company has been making in India since the 1950s, the future of manufacturing and ongoing skill development initiatives aimed at Indian youth. While we focus on key business developments and associate achievements in this issue, we also take a look back at the past and the successful historical campaign that was launched this year. After all, to understand where we are going, we need to know where we are coming from. We also feature special articles on Bosch’s contributions to the relief efforts after the Nepal earthquake and the extremely successful Social Engagement Day held in February – these initiatives showcase the best of the company and its philosophy to always be a responsible corporate. We hope you enjoy reading this issue of the magazine and we would love to hear from you. Tell us what you liked or didn’t like and if there’s anything you would like to see featured in future editions. Mail us at
[email protected]. You can also post ideas and feedback on the Corporate Communications @ India community on Bosch Connect. Happy reading!
Sujit Nayak 3 Cover Story
| “We are Bosch!”
7 Lead Story
| PM Modi & Chancellor Merkel visit Bosch
9 Event
| Bosch Bidadi plant inaugurated
11 Event
| Gangaikondan plant inaugurated
12 Senior Management
| Interview with Andreas Wolf
14 History
| #VintageBosch campaign
16 Feature
| Bosch Rexroth project for NMDC
17 Feature
| K4000 Rally report
18 Feature
| ‘Try Bosch-Change Your Life’ Campaign
19 Feature
| Bosch Novotel energy project
20 Profile
| Shreyansh Srivastava
Imprint Issue 1: December 2015 Editor-in-Chief: Sujit Nayak Managing Editor: Saudha Kasim Cover image: The new mission statement We are Bosch provides a blueprint on the way forward for the company in a rapidly evolving technological and economic landscape. The year 2015 also saw the historic visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Angela Merkel to Bosch Bengaluru as well as the opening of the new plant at Bidadi. Contributors:
22 Social Media
| Round-up of Social Media campaigns
24 Environment
| World Environment Day celebrations
26 Diversity
| 2nd Bosch Diversity Day celebrated
27 Impact
| Bosch helps Nepal quake relief efforts
29 CSR
| 1st Social Engagement Day
Thenmozhi Gunasekaran Poornima R Sachin Kulkarni Raina Singh Vinila Kalive Siddharth Jha Niraw Nishant
31 Crossword
| Crossword contest and corrigendum
Printing: Vykat Prints Pvt Ltd
Cover Story | 3
Bosch India News | December 2015
“We are Bosch!”
The launch of the new mission statement, We are Bosch, at Bosch’s Bengaluru Plant
On January 1, 2015, the new mission statement, We are Bosch, officially replaced the old House of Orientation across the Bosch world. For Jyoti Modi, who has recently joined Bosch Limited’s BSV department in Bidadi, the new mission statement clearly acts as a unifying factor. “The statement’s headline is giving me my identity as a Bosch associate and that I am a part of this big, diverse family. For a new employee like me that’s definitely motivation to perform the best that I can,” she says with a smile. Why the need for a change? House of Orientation was nearly a decade old – and the rapidly changing world made it clear to the Bosch management that it was imperative for the company that it needed to rework its mission statement. As the world becomes more complex and dynamic and increasingly unpredictable, we at Bosch have to adapt better to these changing circumstances. Hence, “We are Bosch”. The new statement has an important role to play in this context.
Straightforward and compact, it expresses how we see ourselves as a company. It serves as a frame of reference in these dynamic times, provides the basis for the strategy of the operating units, and provides strong impetus for the company’s further development. On a more general level, it creates a clearer common understanding of Bosch strategy. In other words, “We are Bosch” gives clear expression to the change the company is going through. As stated by Chairman of Board of Management, Robert Bosch GmbH, Volkmar Denner, “Our new mission statement “We are Bosch” explains what drives us, what we have in common and what we stand for. We want to leave a lasting trace in the world – achieved by a unique, outstanding team.” What’s new in the statement? In his message to associates that accompanied the introduction of We are Bosch, Denner details the content of the statement: “The mission statement comprises five tiers that systematically build on each other. At the very top is our objective to secure
the future of Bosch and to generate the strong and meaningful development our company’s founder Robert Bosch called for in his will. The next tier specifies what drives us: Invented for life. Our products spark enthusiasm in people, improve their quality of life, and help conserve natural resources. The third tier outlines our strategic focal points, which are customer focus, shaping change, and achieving excellence. They describe the overriding challenges we face and need to master. In confronting these challenges, we can rely on our strengths: our Bosch culture, our innovativeness, our quality, and our international focus. These elements comprise the fourth tier. Our values − the fifth tier − are the bedrock of the mission statement. You can find detailed information on it on these pages and in many other communication media. In order to facilitate the use of “We are Bosch” in practice, we’ve deliberately focused on electronic media. For instance, downloading the app will give you constant access to its contents as well as to explanatory videos and links to the operating units’ strategies. We want “We are Bosch” to be rooted in
4 | Cover Story
Bosch India News | December 2015
The official launch at Bosch India How can a company – especially one as geographically diverse as Bosch in India – ensure that every associate, no matter how junior or remotely located – was aware of the new mission statement? This was a challenge for the Corporate Communications team. Clearly what was needed was an eye catching launch event and then a series of sustained communication activities with buy-in from senior management across all locations.
The We are Bosch launch at BanP featured performances by talented Bosch associates such as Manjunatha H of DS who is a Yakshagana artiste.
real life, with real practical benefit. This was also the explicit wish of the associates we consulted before embarking on this project.” A number of people were involved in conceptualizing and creating We are Bosch: the entire board of management, the division presidents, works council members, and other
associates from different functions, countries, and levels of the hierarchy. For the board, it was very important to take the wide range of perspectives on board, and in this way to secure widespread acceptance for the new mission statement. Associates devoted a lot of energy to the task.
RBEI associates with the We are Bosch block letters in the Koramangala office.
For the launch, the Bosch Limited headquarters in Bengaluru – and the first established manufacturing location of the company in India – was to be the stage. And the date chosen was pretty significant –March 20, 2015 was the day of Ugadi, the traditional Karnataka New Year. More than four thousand associates gathered together in the general canteen of the Bengaluru Plant to celebrate the official launch. In his presentation to associates during the event, Steffen Berns, Managing Director of Bosch Limited and President, Bosch Group India,
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Bosch India News | December 2015
We are Bosch was also launched at one of Bosch Limited’s newest plants in Gangaikondan, Tamil Nadu
gave an overview of the new mission statement and its important elements. He expanded upon the “motivation”, “objective”, “strategic focal points”, “strengths” and “values”. On “ shaping change”, one of the strategic focal points, Berns stressed that “We must drive and shape change and not be driven by changes.” The Bosch India Vision Statement’s alignment with the new mission statement elements was also highlighted. In his concluding remarks Berns said, “I think that “We are Bosch” is an excellent summary of what we are, what drives us and what we have to do. Let’s use it to become even stronger.” The launch event also included a number of cultural activities and audience interaction sessions. One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of the “We are Bosch” 3D
letters by senior management and specially invited associates. The blocks, painted and signed by representatives from eight different Bosch India legal entities were revealed to loud cheers and applause. Following this, a skit contest, quizzes and an entertainment program put on by associates brought the event to a close. A separate event was held for the night shift associates, where a shorter version of the morning program was organized. Events at other locations Bosch Automotive Electronics India Private Limited (RBAI) and Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions Limited (RBEI) held their launch events in March as well with a
mix of senior management presentations and employee engagement activities. Other Bosch India locations held their launch events in the months that followed. Very often, a local flavor was given to the We are Bosch launches –while RBAI sang a We are Bosch song in Kannada and the video was published on the intranet, the new Bosch Gangaikondan Plant put on a show heavily influenced by Tamil cinema. As part of the sustained activities to further propagate the We are Bosch message, Bosch associates and department heads were encouraged to discuss and debate what the statement meant to their department and division. Workshops and dialog events were also held in plants across the country, to communicate the content of the statement and ensure
6 | Cover Story
Bosch India News | December 2015
Associates at Bosch Automotive Electronics (India) Pvt. Ltd. gather together for a group photograph during the We are Bosch launch event.
that all associates understood it and were able to adapt it to their daily work. The letter blocks unveiled at the Bengaluru launch are now making their way around Bosch India locations – their journey across the
country is expected to finish by mid-December. Ultimately, the aim behind the launches and these activities is to ensure that associates like Jyoti Modi are able to comprehend the key messages in We are Bosch – that we are able to meet and overcome the challenges that a
constantly changing business environment brings and that as an organization we are ready for the future today and in the days and years to come.
Bosch associates gather together at Bosch Limited’s Jaipur Plant to celebrate the new mission statement.
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Bosch India News | December 2015
Chancellor Merkel and Prime Minister Modi visit Bosch in Bengaluru
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Angela Merkel pose with Bosch Vocational Center apprentices Sneha B and Sunil Kumar, while holding replica Make in India lions crafted and presented to them by BVC apprentices and staff.
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel visited the facilities of Bosch in Bangalore on October 6, 2015. The visit was part of the chancellor’s three-day state visit to India, which focuses on innovation and technology, as well as skill development. At Bosch, the high-level delegation found out about the company’s research, engineering, and vocational education activities in India. “Our commitment to developing talent and the competence of our local engineers are part of our success
story in India,” said Peter Tyroller, the member of the Bosch board of management responsible for Asia Pacific. He emphasized the significant contribution that Indian engineers have made to Bosch’s success story in India, as well as to their current importance for the company’s worldwide activities in many strategic areas such as data mining and smart manufacturing. “India is a key location in our global innovation network. To further strengthen our presence in the country, we plan to invest INR 650 crores (over 100 million
euros) in 2015,” Tyroller added. The company recently opened a new site for the manufacturing of automotive components in Bidadi. Over the medium and long-term, the company expects to see positive development in India. “The Indian government is systematically addressing key issues. We are confident that this will positively impact the country’s development,” said Dr. Steffen Berns, president of the Bosch Group in India. “Especially in areas such as mobility, infrastructure, industry, energy and security, there are many opportunities for our products and solutions,” Berns said.
8 | Lead Story
Bosch India News | December 2015
Steffen Berns (RBIN/P) addresses the media after the visit of PM Modi and Chancellor Merkel
Bosch implements smart manufacturing in India The company also sees possibilities in India in the field of connected industry, or “Industry 4.0”. Bosch is a leading global provider and exponent of connected industry. The company offers a broad range of solutions such as drives, automation, sensors, software, and predictive maintenance. “By 2018, we aim to implement connected production in all our 14 manufacturing locations across the country,” Berns said during the delegation’s visit. Industry 4.0 is already reality at several Bosch plants in India: In Bangalore, the company uses real-time data to shorten throughput times for the calibration of pumps for tractors. The location also provides associates with smartwatches that promptly notify them of a machine
malfunction. Thanks to real-time monitoring, manufacturing downtimes can be prevented and productivity improved. Successes with data mining and skill training programs Bosch’s largest development center outside Germany is located in Bangalore and Coimbatore in southern India, and has over 12,000 research and development associates. One of the center’s areas of focus is on developing solutions for connected industry. Since 2014, the development center in Bangalore has also been focusing on big data analytics. One application example of data analytics is the “e-call modeling.” This estimates the probability of injury severity based on real-time vehicle, accident, and environment information. This information can be used by emergency service providers
to prioritize the type of ambulance service needed to reach an accident location. To develop the solution, data-mining techniques were used to analyze automobile accident data collected by various government agencies. The VIP guests also visited the Bosch Vocational Center (BVC) at Adugodi and were taken through the award winning institution’s training program. They interacted with BVC apprentices, both girls and boys, and were also given an overview of the company’s CSR activities.
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Bosch India News | December 2015
New Bosch Diesel Systems manufacturing plant at Bidadi inaugurated
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lights the lamp during the inauguration of the Bidadi Plant.
The skies might have been laden with late monsoon clouds in Bengaluru, but inside the new Bosch Diesel Systems plant in Bidadi that was inaugurated on August 27, 2015, the festive spirit was high and colorful enough to dispel any sign of gloom. The Chief Minister of Karnataka state, Siddaramaiah, was the chief guest at the inauguration which was also presided over by senior Bosch management representatives
including Peter Tyroller, Member of the Board of Management, Robert Bosch GmbH, Steffen Berns, Managing Director, Bosch Limited, Soumitra Bhattacharya, Joint Managing Director, Bosch Limited, and Andreas Wolf, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing & Quality, Bosch Limited. The Karnataka government was also represented by Karnataka Industries Minister RV Deshpande.
“With the inauguration of our 14th manufacturing plant, we are strengthening our ties with India,” said Berns in his address to the audience comprising Bosch associates, customers and business partners. The state of Karnataka was the region where Bosch established its first manufacturing operations in India. The company now has five manufacturing locations across Karnataka – all of which are state of the art units which are comparable to
10 | Event
Bosch India News | December 2015
The new Bosch plant at Bidadi.
facilities in developed countries. “We see a lot of growth potential in India, therefore continue to invest heavily in infrastructure, technology and also in the development of people,” said Berns. The Bidadi plant will produce new generation technologies that will help in meeting the upcoming Bharat Stage IV emission legislation requirements and in future the BS V and BS VI legislations. “Bosch is a trusted friend of India and also Karnataka” Siddaramaiah, Deshpande and the Bosch senior management together unveiled a plaque to mark the formal inauguration of the plant. In his remarks, Deshpande stressed the positive contributions Bosch had made to the development of the manufacturing sector in the state.
“Bosch is a trusted friend of India and also Karnataka,” he said. The minister also promised to leave no stone unturned in bringing in more transparency and enabling ease of business in the state. “I was part of the groundbreaking ceremony for this plant in September 2013,” the Chief Minister said. “I am really impressed with the facility that has come up in the short span of two years.” Siddaramaiah also spoke of Bosch’s (then Mico) long ties with the state and the affection people continue to have for the brand. A tryst with India that only grows stronger Tyroller in his address to the audience spoke about Bosch’s positive outlook for the Asian market – and India in particular. “India is a key part of the
company’s growth strategy in Asia. India offers promising opportunities in mobility, infrastructure, security, energy, manufacturing and healthcare,” he said. “It’s a market with tremendous potential.” “We at Bosch strive to bring more products and services to India and are looking for ways to increase opportunities and delivering in an effective manner,” said Berns. And it is clear that the Bidadi Plant will help Bosch India achieve these goals in the immediate and long-term future.
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Bosch India News | December 2015
Bosch Limited inaugurates its new Gasoline Systems plant at Gangaikondan
The new Gasoline Systems plant at Gangaikondan, Tamil Nadu
Bosch inaugurated its sixth manufacturing unit in India at State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) Gangaikondan, Tamil Nadu on January 22, 2015. Built with an investment of around 500 million INR (6.2 million euro) and spread across 6,500 square meters of built up area, this new facility of Bosch Limited in India will facilitate the company’s Gasoline Systems business to further localize manufacturing and increase cost-competitiveness. “It is important for our Gasoline Systems business division to have a strong manufacturing foot-print in an important and growing market like
India. The extended local production capabilities in this new state-of-the art location will help Gasoline Systems to further grow its market share with a competitive product portfolio,” commented Steffen Berns, Managing Director of Bosch Limited on the inauguration of the plant. The plant was officially inaugurated by Stefan Kampmann, Executive Vice President, Gasoline Systems, Franz Hauber, the former Executive Vice President, Manufacturing and Quality, Bosch Limited and Sandeep N, Regional President, Gasoline Systems, Bosch Limited. “The new plant is an important part of Bosch’s strategy to
enter the competitive two-wheeler market in India with Electronic Fuel Injection systems,” added Sandeep N. The facility will produce power train sensors, fuel delivery modules and air management components for automotive and two-wheeler systems. Prior to the inauguration of this new manufacturing facility, Gasoline Systems division shared the Bosch Naganathapura manufacturing facility for its local production.
12 | Senior Management
Bosch India News | December 2015
Andreas Wolf: “For Bosch, India offers great opportunities”
Andreas Wolf took over the role of Executive Vice President Manufacturing and Quality, Bosch Limited, earlier this year. Wolf has had a long and varied career with Bosch and as he takes on his new responsibilities at Bosch India, the Bosch India News editorial team sat down for an interview with him to talk about his experiences in India, challenges and opportunities the country offers, his impressions of RBIN and his plans for his tenure here and his interests outside of work.
BI News: To begin with, could you tell us about your background, education and career so far? Wolf: Sure! I was born in Plauen in East Germany. I studied Mechanical Engineering at the TU Dresden in Germany and in Leningrad in the Soviet Union. I’ve been working for Bosch since 1990. I’ve lived in various countries as part of my career here. I’ve worked in Schwieberdingen and Homburg (both in Germany), in Jihlava (the Czech Republic), in Bursa (Turkey) and in Feuerbach (Germany). Before I came to India I was the technical plant manager at the Feuerbach Plant and IPN-leader, Common Rail Pumps. I have been married for almost 27 years and I have one son who is also a mechanical engineer. BI News: In the time you’ve spent so far in Bengaluru and India, what has made the greatest impression on you? Wolf: As someone who grew up in East Germany, India has loomed large in my consciousness. I was aware about the non-violent, Gandhian way that helped the country win freedom in 1947. These were important lessons for Germans like me who experienced the peaceful re-unification of our
country in 1989. Now that I’m here, I can appreciate the country even more. India in general is impressive – and true to its slogan “Incredible India”. The three most interesting facts from my perspective are its history, diversity and the way it tries to balance the traditional and modern. The thousands of years of Indian history has meant that this country has made unparalleled contributions to the progress of mankind in fields such as mathematics, architecture, literature and so on. I find the diversity of this, the world’s largest democracy, to be unique. People following various religions, speaking different languages and from a variety of economic classes co-exist. They follow their own traditions and manage to be respectful of each other. When I look at the “modern” aspect of India, I remember my first visit to the country in 2008. At the time, Bengaluru’s roads were mainly crowded by three-wheelers. A Maruti Suzuki Swift looked like a premium car. Now that I am back here in 2015, I have noticed that the size of the cars have gone up and many new roads have been constructed – for example, the new highway between Mumbai and Nashik. In Bengaluru, the progress is more visible: taller buildings are being erected, new
businesses are being developed. Overall, like most emerging economies, millions of people have been leaving poverty and entering the middle class. This is good for Bosch – after all, they will be our potential customers. Also, the fact that India’s population is so young – the median age here is 25 – makes it a unique market, one with promising opportunities for companies like ours. As for Bengaluru – my perception is that it is a beautiful city, a green city with impressive architecture and interesting surroundings (I hope to explore these in due time!). The climate also makes it very appealing. The only downside would be the daily traffic jams! BI News: Now that you’ve spent almost a month at Bosch India, what about RBIN has impressed you? What are the areas for improvement? Wolf: Bosch in India is unique from many perspectives. With more than 26,000 associates it covers almost 10 percent of Bosch’s global employee strength in total. In line with our new mission statement “We are Bosch” and our slogan “Invented for Life”, we develop, produce and sell products that help people in India to improve their lives. During my orientation I have had the opportunity to visit some plants. I have seen many production
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Bosch India News | December 2015
sites, which surely belong to best class performers within the Bosch International Production Network, but honestly speaking, I have seen also areas for improvement in workplace safety, quality and productivity. What has really impressed me and I find extremely encouraging is the enthusiasm of many people to drive the daily improvement process.
Wolf: For Bosch, India offers great opportunities – the greatest being the opportunity to contribute and benefit from the country’s growth. However, this will only happen if succeed in developing the right products at the right time. This requires accurate and continuous monitoring of the market requirements, agility and operational excellence.
RBIN is a quite complex organization, working in a kind of a matrix structure and by more or less defined processes. And, to tell the truth, I am still learning the meanings of all the abbreviations and acronyms!
From my perspective and based on my role here at RBIN, operational excellence in manufacturing and quality is the biggest challenge. Improving productivity and quality is decisive in order for Bosch to stay competitive in India. We need significant improvements, pretty fast. Here, innovations like Bosch Production System (BPS) and those arising from connected industry will help us.
BI News: You’ve worked at Bosch for more than two decades and in various countries – what, in your mind, sets it apart from its competitors? Wolf: Indeed, this year I’m going to celebrate my 25th anniversary with Bosch. India is the sixth milestone in my career here. I’ve never regretted my decision to work for Bosch. There is something special about it that makes it a great Company. Our slogan “Invented for Life” I’ve already mentioned – but there is much more to this. Bosch is a global player, offering people unique opportunities in terms of work experience in an international environment and the chance to develop their careers across the world. The Company has been predicting and shaping the future with disruptive technologies and products – for example, Diesel and Gasoline Direct Injection, the Connected Car, the pioneering ESP and so on. Its attitude of looking for sustainability and long-term success, not shareholder value makes it really unique. Its fair treatment of associates and its accountability towards society and the environment sets it apart. Most of all, I think the Company’s adherence to its Values – the foundation of the new We are Bosch mission statement – makes it stand head and shoulders above the rest. BI News: What do you see as the greatest opportunity and the biggest challenge for Bosch in India?
Government legislations are also an opportunity for Bosch to provide the right product for the Indian market. Take for example the upcoming Bharat Stage V norms – if the government decides to enact this, then we need to manage the ramp-up of our new Common Rail System. The infrastructure issues here, especially those related to the road networks, are a challenge for the manufacturing sector, too. The new government at the centre has announced plans to spend on upgrading these networks and that is cause for hope. I hope with better roads and urban infrastructure the traffic gridlock one faces daily in Bengaluru will be a thing of the past! As you can see, there are many challenging tasks ahead. I’m really looking forward to drive these activities with the RBIN team in the coming years. BI News: How would you describe your leadership style? Wolf: I would describe it as cooperative, transparent, respectful – but direct. To be more specific, I believe working relationships should be based on mutual trust, but with clear targets and success orientation. I expect
my team members to come up with proposals and activities instead of excuses. Mistakes must be admitted, corrected and lessons learned to be implemented. After discussion and agreement I also expect that timelines and due dates are kept. But, finally we should enjoy our work, or at least, the results of our work. BI News: What are your interests outside of work? What do you do to unwind? Wolf: I do have a life outside of Bosch! Among my hobbies are travelling and photography. And as India is surely a photographer’s paradise, I will definitely be making time to do more photography. I am also a runner – I usually run three to four times per week. And I usually participate in half marathons around four times a year. I’ve already discovered my preferred my running track in Bengaluru – Lalbagh! You can usually find me there on Saturdays and Sundays early in the morning, running. I know the city has an enthusiastic runners’ community and a number of running events – so I am looking forward to participating in some half marathons here too. BI News: You have made a career as an engineer – but if you had a chance to have an alternate career, what would it be? Wolf: I would want nothing else – engineering is my passion. It is an occupation dedicated to making real things and the transformation of concepts into tangible objects. Engineers are vital for economic progress. Our marketing colleagues are of course important in evaluating the business success or viability of ideas, but at the end of the day, the benefits to the customer validates the efforts of engineers and manufacturing. And in my experience, nowhere can one have more joy than in production! So I don’t wish to have an alternate career – I don’t regret even one day I’ve worked as an engineer!
14 | History
Bosch India News | December 2015
#VintageBosch campaign reveals little known stories from Bosch India history
Associates at BanP reminisce together during the Historical Communications campaign roll -out
For the great French writer Marcel Proust, just tasting a tea biscuit was enough to be transported to a childhood memory. Sometimes the most ordinary of objects – a keychain, a calendar, a certificate or a pen – can act as a portal to bygone times. In May 2015, the Bosch India Historical Communications team issued a call
to all Bosch associates (both current and past) to send in their pictures of objects that were #VintageBosch. The entries were soon pouring in: old ID cards, events, drawings, posters, bags, newsletters. These are not mere knickknacks. Each of these items presents a treasured, highly individual story that is an unbreakable bond between an associate and the
company. A watch given on completion of a personal milestone. A poster that awakened the associate’s concern for the environment. The objective of the campaign was to introduce and create awareness about the Historical Communications Center in the BanP campus and communicate the importance of archival to the associates. Deena Jacob from the Corporate Communications team, who was handling the campaign, said, “The historical communications team was definitely overwhelmed by the response to the campaign. We expected only senior associates who had been with Mico to relate more with the initiative, but the enthusiasm of the younger employees has definitely acted as encouragement and inspired us to take these initiatives forward.” The roll-out of the campaign:
A 1966 letter sent to Mr. V. Guru asking him to attend the written test for employement with Bosch (then Mico)
The Bosch Historical Communications team communicated the history and the legacy of Bosch India through posters and flex banners which were sent to all locations across India. The team also published stories from Bosch India (then Mico) history on
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Bosch India News | December 2015
the intranet – many of these stories resulted in associates sharing their own memories of the company from years ago. The History Quiz As part of the campaign, the team organized a quiz contest across locations. The questions were mainly about the founders, establishment of the company and Bosch technologies. The team leveraged both the enterprise 2.0 platform, Bosch Connect, and on ground quiz stations to reach the maximum possible audience. The questions and posters were also translated into Kannada, Marathi, Hindi and Tamil. The contest proved to be quite popular – more than 100 entries were received and the top five associates who’d given the most number of correct answers were given Bosch
goodies as prizes. In order to disseminate more historical communication, the team also created a special community on Bosch Connect which has since become a popular channel for associates to trade stories and share information about the company’s history. #VintageBosch on external channels The team ensured that the special history of the company was not confined to an internal audience –web banners went live on the Bosch India website during the campaign and the online version of the history publication, “A Short Memoir of Bosch India” was also launched. On social media, the campaign was run for threeweeks. On Facebook, page likes increased from by almost two hundred and considerable audience
The evolution of the ID badge at Bosch over the decades, contributed by associate Ramesh R
engagement and impressions were also generated on Twitter. It was also observed that Bosch’s social media channels generated more engagement when historical photos and facts were shared. Historical archives are a vital business necessity for a global corporation like Bosch that has been in existence for more than a century. They are also important to increase and engender stronger bonds among associates as well – after all, the past is key to understanding what makes the company special and gives it its unique identity.
16 | Feature
Bosch India News | December 2015
Bosch Rexroth notches up historic success with NMDC project pneumatically pressurized manifold covers for key areas, special high voltage electric motors for one of the systems and riveted tags for all labels on the system. Bosch Rexroth India initiated the RFQ review of the project using its standard Project Management phase gate process review system. This ensured that all stakeholders were involved at theright stage and the correct decisions were made while offering thesolution to the customers and mitigating all possible risk factors.
The Bosch Rexroth India project for NMDC was an excellent example of cooperation and coordination.
Global cooperation, collaboration and
technical expertise – key Bosch strengths – were critical in ensuring that Bosch Rexroth India’s recently completed project for the National Mineral Development Corporation was a stellar success. NMDC is a Government of India fully owned public enterprise and is the country’s largest iron ore producer and exporter. NMDC is presently setting up a new greenfield 3 million tons per annum (MTPA) integrated steel plant in Nagarnar under the technical and project consultancy of Mecon Ltd., a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Steel, Government of India. The plant is part of NMDC’s expansion, value addition and forward integration program. One of the single largest hydraulic systems manufactured in India The project required drive and controls for casters, hot strip mills, coke ovens and so on. Danieli India Limited won the order for installing major packages of casters and the hot strip mill for this project. Bhilai Engineering Corporation (BEC) won the order for installing the coke oven. For the casters and hot strip mill project, Danieli India in turn entrusted
Bosch Rexroth with the manufacturing of the package – the project was one of the single largest hydraulic systems ever manufactured in India. The package manufactured by Bosch Rexroth India included oil reservoir units, recirculation units, main pump-motor stations, accumulator units, assembled manifold blocks for onboard machine mounting, valve stands, servo and high response valves, integrated test benches to test different hydraulic component and a set of auxiliary items like portable oil filling units, contamination monitoring units, electro static cleaners, vacuum dehydrators etc. For Bosch Rexroth in India, the manufacture of the high response and servo valves to be used for different applications like mould oscillation, segment control, automatic gauge controlhas been a key success. This is arguably the biggest reference for Bosch Rexroth globally against a very strong competitor in this market. Bosch Rexroth made this success possible by agreeing to develop and match all special features, characteristics, interfaces and parameters to fulfill the requirements of the project. Among other technical requirements, the project also demanded special coating on the manifolds,
The success in this project acquisition was initiated at a very earlystage. Prior to the finalization of the order, a delegation from Danieli India and Italy came to visit Bosch Rexroth’s stateof-the-art plant at Sanand and the impressions of the plant capacity, size and facilities ensured that company was the first preference for the customer. An excellent example of cooperation and coordination This project is also an excellent example of global cooperation and coordination as Bosch Rexroth India coordinated with its units in Germany and Italy to make the case stronger. In the final stage of the acquisition, top management of both Bosch Rexroth and Danieli were involved and an agreement for the order was reached. Bosch Rexroth India worked in close cooperation with the OEM Bhilai Engineering Corporation for bagging the order for the various hydraulic systems and over 500 cylinders for the coke oven application for the same project. The successful acquisition of these orders was supported by the close collaboration between various Bosch Rexroth technical, project management and quality departments. The effective and efficient execution of these projects will only help in strengthening Bosch Rexroth India’s position for upcoming projects.
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Bosch India News | December 2015
Being genuine, buying genuine- Bosch K4000 Rally educates customers pan- India
The K4000 rally was flagged off at Kanyakumari
Spearheaded by the Automotive Aftermarket division, the Bosch K4000 Rally was an initiative that aimed to generate awareness among customers about Bosch’s extensive offerings. The three-week long customer engagement drive across India was flagged off on February 02, 2015. The rally aimed to reach over 40,000 customers across 680 locations in India. The rally brought together the division’s key stakeholders to communicate a unified message and introduce their core strategy of ‘Parts, Bytes & Services’. There was also a presentation of a complete range of innovative technologies and solutions. Asserting Bosch’s leadership in the Indian automotive aftermarket Taking the rally across the nation, the initiative comprised more than 2,000
customer activities. These included mechanic, retailer and fleet owner meets, merchandising drives as well as product demonstrations. With over 1,000 authorized distribution partners on one hand, and over 3,000 authorized workshops that are engaged in unit repairs as well as vehicle service on the other, Bosch’s AA has a dominant presence in all the key markets of the country. The event asserted Bosch’s leadership status in the Indian automotive aftermarket. Positioning Bosch as customers’ first choice The Bosch K4000 Rally emphasized working towards enabling greener mobility through its ‘Genuine Parts’ drive, which aimed to educate the AA division’s stakeholders on the environmental effects of
using spurious parts in vehicles. Speaking about this initiative, AA Sales Manager Suryanarayana Rao Srinivasa said, “We were able to give 58,600 customers at 680 sites a better understanding of the diversity and quality of our products.” These figures came from a micro site that allowed participants to report on their campaigns. “We really left our mark all over the country,” said Srinivasa. He believes that K4000 could be used as a model for other emerging markets “such as Thailand or China, where the markets are a similar size and fragmented in the same way.”
18 | Feature
Bosch India News | December 2015
Power Tools conducts the “Try Bosch – Change Your Life” campaign This July, Power Tools India kicked off the first leg of the “Try Bosch – Change Your Life” campaign in several areas of Bengaluru city such as NR Road, SJP Road, and SP Road. The main aim of the campaign was to demonstrate the efficiency, ease of use and safety of Bosch power tools to dealers, industry professionals and consumers through roadshows across India. The campaign involved on-ground activations to drive footfalls to dealer points and centres. It took Bosch Power Tools to the relevant audience through hands-on demonstrations of the brand’s professional tools. The kick-off activities were focused on giving customers a touch and feel experience of Bosch tools in a pre-fabricated trial unit. Participants were invited to try the tools and special discounts were given for customers who purchased the tools. The campaign reinforced Bosch’s commitment to providing professional tool users with a comprehensive portfolio of power tools that are
durable, convenient and easy to operate. The program is being executed not just in Bengaluru but across India. Try Bosch also took place in Rajasthan in August through a retail campaign and dealer meets with some newly launched products such as the GWS-750 (angle grinder) and the GDC120 (marble cutter). “The ‘Try Bosch-Change Your Life’ Campaign provides a unique
opportunity for us to showcase the widest range of quality Bosch solutions for the most demanding projects. The campaign features the finest of Bosch innovative tools, and will highlight key features that are applicable to professionals in highly demanding sectors. The Power Tool market is evolving and Bosch undoubtedly has the highest market share and being a leader in the market we need to encompass more users. Our focus at all times is to get users to convert from hand tools to power tools besides exploring new applications being made possible by Bosch innovations such as the cordless range of tools,” said Maneesh Sharma, Head of Marketing for Blue Professional Tools. The “Try Bosch – Change Your Life” initiative highlights Bosch’s expertise in a wide range of product groups, including products for construction, metal and wood working such as hammers, grinders, marble cutters, cordless screw drivers and accessories.
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Bosch India News | December 2015
Bosch Novotel project is a role model for Indian hospitality industry In December 2014, Bosch’s Thermotechnology business commissioned a first-of-its-kind solar water heating project for the Novotel Bengaluru Techpark. With this project, guests at the Novotel Bengaluru Techpark can be assured that when they take a hot shower or have their laundry done, these actions will have a minimal impact on the environment. The systems help the hotel save 30 to 35 liters of diesel per day on average. The hotel’s emissions will reduce by 46.41 tons per year – that’s equivalent to growing 1,080 seedlings over 10 years. At the formal inauguration of the project, Jörn Rohde, the Consul General of Germany at the formal inauguration of the project said, “Climate change is a big reality and we can’t undo the damage done. We can, however, save energy and limit any further impact on the environment. But this requires a collective response and innovation.” Joining him in inaugurating the project were Puneet Dhawan, General Manager Delegate, ibis and Novotel Bengaluru Techpark, Soumitra Bhattacharya, Joint Managing Director, Bosch Limited and Venugopalan C M, Head of Bosch India’s Energy Business. Rohde said that he was glad to see Bosch India and Deutsche Energie-Agentur GmbH (DENA), the German Energy Agency join together to undertake the project – the very kind of collective response needed to mitigate the impact of climate change and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. A first of its kind project in India Initially, the boilers at Novotel were being fuelled by diesel to heat 34,000 liters of water per day. With the installation of the 12,000 liters (capacity) Bosch solar water heating system, Novotel will now reduce its dependence on diesel, thus allowing the hotel to cut down its annual diesel consumption by 55 percent. In the six months since the installation, the hotel
had managed to reduce more than hour of running the hot water boiler. Installed on the roof of the hotel at Marathahalli, the project is the first of its kind in India. The system makes use of the efficient Bosch solar thermal Flat Plate collectors that have been developed using the company’s own innovative full absorber sheet technology. These collectors absorb heat from the sun’s rays and use it to heat the water which is then accumulated in a storage tank. The system is designed to provide hot water at a temperature of 60 °C which is then supplied to the guest and laundry rooms and the kitchens of the hotel as well. The installation of the system itself was carried out in a way so as to not disturb the existing utilities on the hotel rooftop. A completely automated system, it is hoped that the project will act as an example for the hospitality industry as a whole in India as there is low penetration of renewable energy in the sector. It is projects like this, said Bhattacharya, which would address the big ticket items for India such as energy and infrastructure. Given that almost 35 to 40 percent power is lost due to transmission, theft and distribution in the country, there
are great chances for improving the erratic power supply. “What we are seeing here today is change,” he said, “and the Accor group shows the way for other hotel chains in India.” A successful partnership In his remarks to the assembled journalists and project stakeholders at the inauguration, Venugopalan spoke about the successful partnership between Bosch, DENA and the Accor group that helped in the successful execution of the project. “This is a historic project for the hospitality industry in India. Given the hotel’s location on what I believe is the largest IT corridor in the world, it will also act as a great reference project for the residents of this city.” Commenting on the initiative Dhawan said, “To harness solar energy is in line with Accor’s Planet 21 program, which is a comprehensive sustainable development program. We are delighted to partner with Bosch who is helping us reduce our carbon footprint. Novotel’s initiative underscores the urgency that is needed for us to direct our efforts, to change our production and consumption patterns in line with the goal of protecting our planet.”
20 | Profile
Bosch India News | December 2015
Turning a passion for motorcycles into a vocation
Shreyansh Srivastava with Onishi Yoshitsuna of Chassis Systems Japan.
Thirty year old Shreyansh Srivastava is the living epitome of the Confucian dictum, “Choose a job you love, and you never have to work a day in your life.” After all, how many passionate motorcycle enthusiasts can legitimately claim to be working on technologies that make the twowheeler riding experience safer and more enjoyable?
An engineer with Robert Bosch Chassis Systems Limited, Srivastava considers himself truly lucky to be working every day on advanced two wheeler technologies. “I am an automotive engineering postgraduate from the Vellore Institute of Technology,” says Srivastava. “I got an internship at Chassis Systems through a campus placement.” During his internship period at Chassis Systems, Srivastava submitted a project on vehicle dynamics, one where he researched technologies that allowed proportional load sensing on the vehicle to ensure proper safety. “I got
very good guidance on the project and I was inspired to learn more about the technologies that Chassis Systems was working on.” Not long afterwards, he was given an engineering role in the company, working initially on foundation brakes and testing projects. After a period of settling in and familiarizing himself with the technology, he opted to join the Chassis Systems’ ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) application division. “I initially worked on passenger car applications – and that was great learning experience to get a proper grip on the basics. But my passion has always been for two-wheelers.” He chose to work on ABS technology for two-wheelers and as part of this, he got the opportunity to go to Japan in 2013. “I got to learn how things should be done” For Srivastava, getting to Japan and working on ABS development for
two-wheelers is pretty much the major highlight of his career so far. “It was truly an eye-opener,” he says. “Japan is home to the world’s most advanced two-wheeler technologies. There are some amazing bike companies and so to get the chance to go there and work on cutting edge technologies – that was living the dream for me! In Japan, I got to work on the Bajaj front-wheel ABS project.” This year, two bikes equipped with the front-wheel ABS - the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 with optional front-wheel ABS and KTM RC 390 - have been launched in the Indian market. “I got to learn how things should be done from the development and engineering perspective. Now, of course, I am getting to see the fruits of the work I did in Japan on Indian roads – for any engineer, it’s an incredible personal achievement to see the technologies you work on in action in real life.” As someone who is a keen biker and has experienced
Profile | 21
Bosch India News | December 2015
some bad falls on his bike, Srivastava is keenly aware of the need for safety technologies like ABS on Indian roads. “I know how bad the injuries can be – you would not wish that on anyone else. So technologies like ABS are necessary to ensure no one has to go through the pain of such bad accidents.” “A unique culture” Srivastava loves working with Bosch. “The technologies that you get to work on are cutting-edge and ahead of their time, especially in a market like India. Plus, you get the opportunity to work with international teams and projects. The company has such a unique culture – one that encourages you to broaden your horizons and learn as much as possible.” When asked about how he managed to adjust to the cultural differences during his stay in Japan, Srivastava says, “I was born in Allahabad and did my schooling in Mumbai and Pune. I went off to Tamil Nadu to do my Masters in Technology. So in a way I was used to moving around a lot and experiencing different cultures at a local level here in India. My colleagues here at Bosch are also a diverse bunch from different regions and you also get to interact with international colleagues. So I think the lessons I learned through my experiences
served me well when I had to go to Japan. The colleagues there were warm and welcoming and there was no question of there being any kind of roadblocks or hurdles while working with them.” Onishi Yoshitsuna of the Chassis Systems in Japan, part of the team that worked on the ABS for both the Bajaj and KTM bike models released this year, was an inspiring mentor to Srivastava. “He was another in a line of technology experts here at Bosch who helped me understand the basics of the technology and helped deepen the understanding of the processes involved in bringing it to implementation stage.” During his time in Japan, Srivastava got plenty of time to bond with the team – one of the more memorable experiences he had definitely was a motorcycle tour with them through Japan and its remarkable landscapes. “I had biked across various regions in India prior to that – and the experience was wonderful. You got to experience the diversity of the country, the people and the open road – but Japan was different. I was riding with a group of the best two wheeler experts in the world and that naturally gave a whole different color to the experience, ” he says. Right now, Srivastava is continuing to work on ABS technology projects but he wants
Srivastava got to tour Japan with his colleagues from Bosch - on motorbikes, of course!
to learn and master the intricacies of other two wheeler technologies as well like Bosch’s Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC). “The long-term goal here would be to get to work on all the different Bosch technologies we develop at Chassis Systems,” he explains. “While Japan is a center of competence for technologies like ABS and it can be a superlative experience to work there for any young engineer, the larger and more challenging market is here in India.” The country’s unique market requirements and infrastructure challenges means that engineers like Srivastava and his colleagues have to find ways to localize technologies like ABS. “A large part of my job – and that of my colleagues – involves understanding user behavior here, the road conditions, research into accidents and how Bosch technologies can act as a differentiating factor.” At present Srivastava and his team – headed by Antonio Baptista – are working hard to increase safety of all vehicles on Indian roads. Ultimately, says Srivastava, their goal is clear: safe Indian roads with minimum accidents and happier customers. “What,” he asks, “could be a more satisfying achievement than that?”
22 | Social Media
Bosch India News | December 2015
Work life balance, women power and safety showcased on Bosch social media
“Our main aim this year was to increase audience engagement and showcase key Bosch brand strengths,” says Somtirtha Das, who handles Bosch India’s social media communication. Here’s a round-up of what campaigns were conducted on Bosch India social media so far this year: Work-life balance campaign Bosch has always believed that for associates to give their best, proper work life balance has to be
achieved. The campaign certainly struck a chord with Bosch associates themselves – they were asked to pick eight important keywords which best exemplified the goal to achieve perfect “work life balance”. The campaign generated high engagement on Facebook among associates – most of the posts, which showcased associates who excelled at work and outside the workplace – received on average 60 comments.
In March, coinciding with the celebrations of International Women’s Day, Bosch India social media channels too championed the advantages of gender diversity in the workplace. The theme of this year’s Women’s Day was “#Makeithappen” and the campaign proved to be quite a hit with Bosch India Facebook page likes increasing by 700 in just one day!
#Makeithappen – International Women’s Day
Bosch’s commitment to safety on the roads was the theme of this June campaign. Bosch safety technologies
#SafeWithBosch
Bosch India News | December 2015
such as ABS and MSC were showcased – the aim behind the campaign was to spread awareness amongst the audience about these features and how they could potentially reduce accidents and fatalities on Indian roads. The campaign proved to be quite popular, generating more than 3,000 likes on Facebook alone. #VintageBosch – a look back at Bosch history Aimed at shining more light on forgotten stories and little known facts about Bosch’s long and storied history in India, this campaign which took place over three weeks in May led to an astonishing amount of information sharing on social media. Associates past and present as well as their children shared incredible stories and pictures on Facebook and through email.
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24 | Environment
Bosch India News | December 2015
Bosch reinforces its commitment to protecting the environment
World Environment Day is observed every year on June 5, a day designated by the UN to raise awareness of environmental issues. Responsibility and sustainability is one of the key Bosch values – we act responsibly in the interest of our company, also taking the social and ecological impact of our actions into consideration. This is why Bosch takes every opportunity to create awareness and to promote policies that safeguard the environment and the company. This year’s World Environment Day theme was “Seven billion dreams. One planet. Consume with care.” In keeping with this theme, Bosch India held activities aimed at increasing associate awareness across various locations about the fragility of earth’s ecosystem and the need for sustainable consumption and green practices throughout the month.
World Environment Day at Bengaluru Plant
Bosch employees’ vehicles was also conducted.
On the occasion of World Environment Day, the BanP/HSE and CP/TSC departments jointly arranged for a supplier’s workshop to promote green supply chain management and also create awareness on Bosch’s environmental and legal requirements. The three hour workshop at the BVC Hall was attended by 30 of our key suppliers, including KTCPL, INDCARB, and Hightemp Furnaces. The highlight of the session was the address by K.M Nagaraj, Senior Environmental Officer (SEO), Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).
Along with this, the Corporate Communications team organized a five-day challenge for Bosch India associates where they were asked to track and monitor their consumption patterns. The goal of the challenge was to enable the associates to monitor their consumption of precious natural resources and consciously look at positive changes and best practices they could adopt for “greener” living.
Following this, a tree was planted by K.M. Nagaraj, Senior Environment Officer (SEO), Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). An emission check campaign for
Nashik Plant The World Environment Day celebrations at Nashik included a tree planting by Andreas Wolf, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing & Quality, Bosch Limited and Chintawar AR (NaP/PT), inauguration of the Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant, and
Bosch India News | December 2015
Environment | 25
Bosch Rexroth India (DCIN) DCIN conducted a number of events on World Environment Day, all tied in with the theme of sustainable consumption. At the Ahmedabad Plant, trees were planted by associates – 56 in total by management and HSE team members, an environmental awareness program was held for associates and their children, a workshop on hazardous waste reduction and saving energy was conducted, an e-waste collection campaign run and tulsi and neem saplings distributed to all. distribution of saplings by the NaP Women Network. Jaipur Plant At the Jaipur Plant, a slogan/poster/ model/craft competition was held for associates and 50 trees planted as part of the plant’s greening efforts. Jute bags were also distributed to associates as part of the “Say no to plastic” campaign. Naganathapura Plant At the Naganathapura Plant, an environmental compliance workshop for electroplating vendors was held at the plant premises. This workshop was meant to address the legal compliance requirements that the vendors had to adhere to. Gangaikondan Plant At one of our newest plants, Gangaikondan, environmental posters and a message from Andreas Wolf on World Environment Day were
displayed on the premises. A crossword puzzle contest was also conducted for associates and employees worked for one hour in natural light and ventilation – this measure saved 74 KWh Electrical energy which is equal to 0.07 tons of CO2. Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions (RBEI) RBEI conducted an online environmental awareness quiz for all associates and in association with the NGO, “Clean Hives”, had organized stalls that displayed information and products that would help in composting organic domestic waste. RBEI also partnered with Hero Electric and test rides were organized on eco bikes and battery operated bicycles. At RBEI’s Coimbatore location, art and rangoli contests were held while tree saplings were planted.
At DCIN’s Andrahalli location, banners to raise awareness were displayed, badam, mango, jamun and neem saplings were distributed, and information shared on eco-friendly actions that would help in reducing carbon footprint. Considering the positive impact of “planting a sapling” on the environment, Hejjala Plant (Rexroth Group) planted few saplings in the premises. Awareness on the theme of World Environment Day 2015 was spread to the associates through banners and short speeches. Bosch Chassis Systems India Limited (RBIC) At RBIC’s Chakan Plant, “green food” was supplied at the canteen, stalls displayed energy saving LED products and soil-less agriculture techniques, free saplings distributed to all associates, eco-friendly tips shared among associates and posters on water and environmental conservation were also displayed.
26 | Diversity
Bosch India News | December 2015
Bosch celebrates Second Diversity Day
Scenes from the Diversity Day celebrations at Bangalore Plant (left) and Nashik Plant (right).
Bosch celebrated the second Diversity Day on May 21, 2015. While various activities brought out the different dimensions of diversity, it also helped associates learn more about diversity, one of the seven values of the new mission statement “We are Bosch”. Unveiling the Diversity model India is a country where “Our unity lies in our diversity” is an article of faith among its citizens – and Bosch’s belief that “Diversity is an advantage” harmonizes with this fundamental principle. To convert this belief into practice, a “diversity model” was unveiled as a part of the event by Steffen Berns, Managing Director, Bosch Limited and President and Country Head, Bosch Group in India and Andreas Wolf, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing & Quality, Bosch Limited and other members of the senior management. This model concentrates on four major types of diversity: Gender, Generation, Internationality and Culture. Diversity fuels our success “I was quite surprised about the demographic statistics of RBIN which has 50 percent of associates who are below 25 years (Gen Y) and 9 percent of associates who are below 50 years,” said Berns. “The energy and enthusiasm of this population always keeps Bosch India a young company,” he added. “Diversity is a way for sustainable success at Bosch India. Here, we are one, from the management to the shop floor,” said
Wolf. This essential concept of the “Diversity Model” was the key element and theme of the event. There were various activities that brought out the gender, generation, Internationality and work culture dimensions. A short play, the highlight of the event, titled “When the engine met the pump” was performed. This role-play portrayed diversity in a humorous and conceptual way. The characters were based on various products of Bosch like A-pump, spark plugs and chassis, portraying diversity in products. The play’s participants represented diversity in gender and generations, yet again bringing out the core principles of the diversity model. The internationality and cultural aspects of diversity was best exemplified by Indian and German associates taking to the stage to dance to the German song, “Das Rote Pferde (The Red Horse)”.In the run-up to the Diversity Day event at RBIN, poetry and photography contests had been organized based on the concept of diversity and the We are Bosch values respectively. The winners of these contests were also felicitated at the end of the event. Celebrating Diversity across all locations Apart from ecstatic celebrations at the Adugodi location, Boschlers from all the other locations and entities in India, also showcased diversity at their best, portraying the strength
of “We are Bosch” through various events. At the Nashik Plant, a three day extravaganza that began on May 19 and ended on May 21 was held. On the first day,BVC students performed the traditional Maharashtrian dance form “Lazim” on the beats of dhols and drums to loud acclaim from the attendees. Following this, the plant management inaugurated the “Happy Hour” theme. A live band comprising Bosch associates and one minute games were part of the first day program. The “Happy Hour” on the second day began with a beautiful Garba performance (traditional Gujrati dance form) followed by a fusion dance by BVC students. The three-day celebrations ended with a grand finale on Diversity Day during which plant management stressed the importance of diversity and the need to celebrate it. There were several stage programs done by employees, BVC students and even employees’ children – all stressing the theme of diversity. The highlights of the program included a group song by employees and a flash mob that proved to be a fitting end to what had been a truly memorable celebration at the plant. At Jaipur Plant, activities such as a Diversity RADAR (in which maps of India and Germany were displayed and associates had to mark their locations of origin), a treasure hunt, flag hoisting and balloon ceremony were conducted.
Impact | 27
Bosch India News | December 2015
Bosch lends helping hand to Nepal earthquake victims
On April 25, one of the most devastating earthquakes in history had struck Nepal, the epicenter of the quake located in the heart of the Himalayan kingdom. For Siddharth Jha, Ishu Singhania and Niraw Nishant, the days that followed were to prove a definitive experience in their Bosch careers. Soon after hearing about the earthquake, Jha – who’d served in the Indian Air Force and who works now with Bosch Limited’s Security Technologies division – was immediately concerned about the situation in the country. The company has a strong presence in Nepal – with dealer networks under the Automotive Aftermarket, Power Tools and Security Systems divisions. He contacted Steffen Berns, Managing Director and Country Head, Bosch, and the senior management came up with a relief package for the country, including financial assistance for partners, five tons of relief supplies, and three volunteers sent to oversee distribution. They were also taking along Bosch Power Tools to help in clearing debris and rescue efforts.
Strategic and effective deployment of relief materials Jha and Singhania – who were to do the initial ground assessment – travelled by road to Kathmandu and reached the city on May 3. Nishant – who works with the company’s Power Tools division - was tasked with procuring additional relief materials like tarpaulins, medicines and other materials from New Delhi. While in Kathmandu, Jha and Singhania caught up with the Bosch business partners and assessed the ground damage that had occurred to them. The partners themselves were involved in relief operations, so equipped with more local knowledge, the Bosch India team were able to plan strategic and effective deployment of relief material in the country. It was not easy for the three Bosch associates – first there was the shock of seeing so much human suffering up close. Jha says, “Almost every family was missing loved ones.” Bosch’s business partners were adversely affected as well. Then there was the additional challenge of getting relief
material through. Kathmandu airport was practically clogged because of the huge incoming tons of relief supplies from around the world. The relief materials procured by Nishant were packed in a Power Tools warehouse in the city with the help of the division’s Sales and Logistics staff. Nishant was able to convince Jet Airways to transport a part of the relief supplies to Nepal free of charge. The rest of the supplies were sent by road to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, Jha and Singhania were informed about a badly affected village that had not yet received any help. Jha trekked to the village and found a scene of destruction – no houses were left standing. However, the kindness of the villagers was apparent even in such an event. “Their hospitality shone through,” says Jha. “There were no structures left after the quake and yet, they offered me rice milk.” As the relief supplies from India were yet to be cleared through into Nepal, Jha and Singhania bought emergency supplies from the local market with funds provided by Bosch
28 | Impact
for this purpose. Jha also used his contacts in the Indian Air Force to air drop relief supplies in the village. All this while, aftershocks continued to affect the earthquake zone. Jha was in Nuakot district on May 12, helping in distribution of relief materials to villagers through the Nepal Army Wives’ Association (NAWA) when a second major earthquake struck the country. “Two houses collapsed near us, but luckily no one was injured,” Jha says. Around 320 families received aid through this relief package. Compassion and community spirit The final consignment of relief materials were sent by road to Nepal and reached Kathmandu by May 27 – the Rotary Club there, which was heavily involved in relief operations, would oversee distribution of these supplies. The three volunteers returned to India and resumed their work – but the experience of what they’d witnessed in the country and the best aspects of community and kindness is something they won’t forget anytime soon. “I think that Bosch showcased its true character and values in helping Nepal,” says Jha. “When the situation demanded compassion and untiring support, the company offered a helping hand.”
Bosch India News | December 2015
CSR | 29
Bosch India News | December 2015
Bosch India celebrates first ever Social Engagement Day
Bosch senior management and CSR committee members during the Social Engagement Day
Bosch has always taken its responsibility to society seriously. Bosch India’s has always upheld this commitment to social engagement and everyone – from the junior most associate to senior management – have done their bit over the years to improve the conditions of the locations where the company operates. In continuation to this long-standing commitment to CSR activities, Bosch India celebrated its first ever Social Engagement Day on February 15, 2015 at the Bosch’s Bengaluru Plant. Aimed at raising funds for the Primavera India Trust and encouraging the spirit of volunteerism among employees, the
event showcased CSR success stories and emphasized the need to do more to help the underprivileged in the country. Happy to help On the day itself, volunteers – associates from Bengaluru locations and beyond – in their green t-shirts and smiley badges guided visitors young and old to the various stalls that presented the CSR activities supported by the Bosch Group in India. Apart from the joy of volunteering, the employees and their families got to see the successes of the Child Health
Development Program, Bosch’s joint effort with the Agastya Foundation to make science learning engaging and exciting in Government Schools with the Lab-in-a-Box program, the various initiatives of the Bosch India Foundation and the work of the trusts that Primavera India supports in the country. Showcasing success stories and talent After the walkthrough of stalls, the visitors made their way to the BanP canteen, which had been transformed into an auditorium for the day. Steffen Berns, President and Country Head, Bosch India and Managing
30 | CSR
Director, Bosch Limited, Soumitra Bhattacharya, Joint Managing Director, Bosch Limited, Franz Hauber, the former Executive Vice President, Manufacturing & Quality, Bosch Limited and Chairman of the Board of Directors, VK Viswanathan formally inaugurated the event with the traditional lighting of the lamp. Berns and Bhattacharya gave a global overview of Bosch’s CSR work and India-specific CSR activities respectively. Associates were asked for their contributions generously to the Primavera India Trust and also volunteer for the various social causes that the Bosch Group supports. Considering the huge gathering for the special day, Bosch India had used its creativity in order to make the event a memorable one for its associates. The entertainment portion of the evening got underway with heartwarming performances by children from the charitable trusts that Primavera India supports.
Bosch India News | December 2015
The program was interspersed with success stories from these trusts and other CSR initiatives, intended to inspire the watching audience and underscore the fact that is only through dedication and compassion that positive social change can be achieved.
stories of social change that the Company and its associates were instrumental in realizing. And this had inspired many to contribute and sign up to volunteer for the various CSR initiatives.
Associate talent was also on display during the event – the young, enthusiastic employees of RBEI took to the stage with energetic dances that showcased the diverse cultures of India. The RBIN CSR Committee also took the opportunity to thank the true heroes of the day – the army of volunteers who made the event possible.
The principle of social commitment, both for its employees and for the underprivileged sections of society, underlies the corporate policy of Bosch. It is said that great things emerge from small beginnings. In the years ahead, Bosch India intends to take social engagement to a higher and deeper level and make a greater difference in the lives of the communities and the people it touches.
A magic show and a lucky dip brought the program to an end. As they walked out of the BanP canteen into the Bengaluru dusk, it was clear that the overall message of the day had clearly resonated with the employees and their families. For those who’d hitherto been unaware of these CSR programs, it was good to hear the
The first-ever Bosch India Social Engagement Day is just the steppingstone to creating more awareness about CSR and the ways in which employees can contribute. The CSR team aims to take the event to the various other Company locations in India and continue in its efforts to share smiles and spread happiness!
Bosch India News | December 2015
Crossword | 31
Bosch India News December 2015 Crossword Puzzle
Clues Across 6. This was the theme of the International Women’s Day this year Down 1. This organization dedicated to helping children in need and founded by Bosch employees celebrated 25 years in 2015 2. The historical campaign run by Corporate Communications India this year 3. The new Gasoline Systems plant is located in this Tamil Nadu town 4. In which country did Shreyansh Srivastava spend time working on ABS technologies? 5. Andreas Wolf (RBIN/EM, DS/MG-IN) was the technical plant manager at this plant before coming to RBIN Send your answers to
[email protected] – the first three winners will get exciting We are Bosch goodies! Corrigendum The following errors appeared in the December 2014 edition of BI News: On page 5, the caption below the top photographs said, “Need for more localizes innovations such as the NBT eye care solution was emphasized”. This should have instead been “Need for more localized innovations such as the NBT eye care solution was emphasized” On page 14, the following text appeared: “Harsha Ramesh Angeri (RBEI/BUD RBIN/ BUD), (right in the picture above) head of the New Business Teams (NBT), gave a detailed presentation on the benefits and functionalities of the device. This should have instead read as: “Harsha Ramesh Angeri (RBEI/BUD RBIN/ BUD), (left in the picture above) head of the New Business Teams (NBT), gave a detailed presentation on the benefits and functionalities of the device.” On page 20, the caption below the top photographs said “The old Vatva plant (L) and the new plant at Sanand (R)”. It should instead have said “The new plant at Sanand”. The editorial team regrets the publication of the above errors.
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[email protected] before January 31, 2016 for the next issue. Edited and published by Sujit Nayak on behalf of Bosch Limited, Hosur Road, Adugodi, Bengaluru 560 030. Reproduction of any article from Bosch India News without express permission of the editorial team is a violation of copyright.
