Robert Bosch to up headcount to 10,000

 

Robert Bosch is aggressively ramping up its engineering services business in India, to create the largest technology hub of the company in the world. The company expects to double its engineering talent strength to 10,000 in the next couple of years.

   Augustine V D, head (HR), Robert Bosch Engineering and Services (RBEI), told TOI, "We are in the process of becoming the most critical technology development centre for Robert Bosch's global operations. India will play a key role, especially when there is a huge shortage of technical talent in Germany and Europe in general.''

   The company has a mandate to hire over 5,000 people in two years, mostly for IT solutions, business solutions, engineering services and R&D positions in its development centres in Coimbatore and Bangalore.

   Augustine said that even during the thick of recession, it was business as usual at Robert Bosch. "We onboarded over 600 people in 2009, when the whole industry was on a hiring freeze. We are now getting into a fast hiring mode as the economic outlook turns positive,'' he said.

   Augustine said retention was a thrust area for the company. The company is exploring multiple ways to encourage people to stay longer with it. "We offer global careers, role rotations, provide nurturing and mentoring, help improve talent, manage careers, build leadership and also impart training in culture and languages,'' he said.

   RBEI now focuses on developing a complete eco-system with the entire chain of product development, hardware and software, to enhance value proposition for customers. "We are now graduating from a service provider to a custom-based solutions provider. We are also entering into third party business, to expand our potential market to the entire automotive landscape,'' he said. Currently, RBEI is a captive provider of technology for Robert Bosch.

   During 2009,this wholly-owned subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmBH contributed 147 million euro to the global revenues of the parent firm.

 
   RBEI develops software that supports car engine navigation systems, anti brake lock systems and other automotive safety devices.