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I am very pleased to attend the celebration of the centenary of the presence of the Bosch Group in Portugal that, in 1911 and, under the aegis of Roberto Cudell, established in Porto their first trading establishment in our Country.
The political, economic and social environment, at the time, was extremely turbulent, amidst a change in regime and the assertion of the recently born Portuguese Republic, circumstances that did not inhibit the enterprising initiative of its promoter.
After 100 years, the merit of that decision can well be confirmed and the Bosch Group’s investments in Portugal be praised: these are represented today by the effective presence of six companies, four of which in the industrial sector, extremely competitive, that employ more than 3500 workers and that manufacture innovatory transactional goods of irreprehensible quality. Ninety percent of their production is sold in foreign markets and Bosch/Portugal is, nowadays, our fourth largest exporter.
Bosch/Portugal is a case of success and an example that deserves attention. It has taken an active part in the strengthening and modernization of the Portuguese industrial texture, investing in new manufacturing and management procedures and conceiving innovatory products with a highly technological content, capable of competing in the most demanding markets.
I point out the development of the facilities for the production of automatic gas geysers in Aveiro, the former “Vulcano”, nowadays the foremost European manufacturer in this segment, and recognized as the most relevant worldwide competence centre in hot water systems.
Similar attention is anyway deserved by the competence centres in the Braga and Abrantes facilities, directed towards the automobile industry and in that of Ovar, specialized in surveillance systems.
The capability to maintain a wide number of informed staff, motivated and fully involved in the search for new solutions for the operation and for the future of the company is one of the main reasons for the success of Bosch’s centenary experience.
To innovate and cooperate, obtaining knowledge, productivity and competitiveness synergies, in order to attain effective gains in market share is the route that sets the difference in the companies that invest in development and sustainability.
In this context, it is obligatory that companies share amongst them knowledge and solutions and that they intensify their dialogue with national and foreign Universities and Research Centres, as is anyway Bosch’s common practice.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In 1886, Robert Bosch set up, in Stuttgart, a mechanical and electrical engineering company, giving birth to an economic group that has always been evidenced by its focus on innovation and social commitment.
The Bosch International Group is owned by a foundation that keeps to the philanthropic and development support objectives intended by its founder and that, whilst operating in 60 countries, takes part in many solidarity and entrepreneurial cooperation programmes.
I congratulate the Bosch Group by the centenary of their presence amongst us and record with satisfaction the recognition, by its officers, of the support always provided by Portugal to their projects and investments and of the competence, adaptability and capacity of Portuguese workers, which ensure high levels of profitability and competitiveness to the companies installed in our Country.
Today, such as 100 years ago, we are going through, in Portugal, a delicate economic situation, propitious generally unfounded investors’ fears.
But today, such as 100 years ago, there are opportunities and challenges that must and deserve to be taken advantage of. Instances such as that of Bosch in Portugal, sustained by a long relationship of mutual advantages and benefits, must be emphasized and publicized, both in the Country and abroad.
I once again congratulate the Bosch Group, its shareholders, managers and workers, who have always known how to apply effort, knowledge and dedication in valuing their companies and in supporting the Portuguese economy.
To you all I express my wishes for your continued professional and personal success.
Thank you very much.
© 2006-2016 Presidency of the Portuguese Republic
You have gained access to the records of the Official Site of the Presidency of the Republic from 9 March 2006 to 9 March 2016.
The contents available here were entered in the site during the 10 year period covering the two mandates of President of the Republic Aníbal Cavaco Silva.
