Bosch Rexroth, a global factory automation supplier, recently invited federal, state and local government officials to an open house event that celebrated the opening of its new cutting-edge facility, Tech Center East, in Rochester Hills, Mich. During the event, the company displayed state-of-the-art drive, motion and control concepts and systems developed at the center, including hydraulic hybrid technology and automotive industry applications. "We believe the American automotive industry is ready to take a major step forward in updating and modernizing its facilities here and around the world," says Berend Bracht, president and chief executive officer of Bosch Rexroth Corp. "As a longtime supplier to the industry around the world and in this country, we believe we can play an important role in that process." The facility will house 120 workers and bring together technical personnel from the company's hydraulics, pneumatics, electric drives and linear motion and assembly technologies groups. Tech Center East is deeply involved in the development of the hydraulic hybrid systems that are being tested to conserve energy and reduce the environmental impact of vehicles. The facility plays a major role in the development of Bosch Rexroth's hydraulic regenerative braking system and innovative automation solutions for solar applications. It will focus on the most advanced hydraulics applications like hydraulic hybrid vehicle technology, compact construction machinery, hybrid hydraulic drives, alternate energy and off-shore marine applications. "Tech Center East will define market requirements, prototype important concepts, develop testing facilities and coordinate product testing," Bracht adds. "It is modeled on our Tech Center West, where we have tailored automation solutions for the semiconductor industry, solar applications and medical technology." The corporation expects to continue to expand the technical capabilities it offers to customers, as business warrants. It also is planning to establish others in Europe and Asia. Bosch Rexroth Corporation (under parent company Bosch Rexroth AG) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH. Robert Bosch GmbH is also the overall parent company of Robert Bosch LLC, the North American holding company, headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich. While Bosch Rexroth is not directly part of the Bosch Group's automotive activities, the companies share new technology developments. Bosch Rexroth has established strong ties to the Bosch organization in North America, which recently observed 100 years of innovation in the United States. For more information about Bosch Rexroth, visit the company's Web site. |
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