The Ambassador of Germany to the Philippines His Excellency Dr. Joachim Heidorn (Left) and Martin Hayes (center), Bosch Southeast Asia President, look on during a demonstration at the newly opened BOSCH Training Center in Chino Roces Avenue, Makati. The facility showcases state-of-the-art technology used to train Filipinos in the automotive aftermarket industry as well as the power tools industry. Photo Courtesy of Strategic Edge Inc.
MANILA, Philippines – International manufacturing giant Bosch opened a new state-of-the-art training center that will enhance the technical expertise of Filipinos.
The $1.8 million training center along Chino Roces Avenue in Makati evolved from a service center in nearby Kamagong Avenue, Bosch said in a statement released during the opening ceremony of the training center.
“Bosch is of the firm belief that enhancing technical skills in the automotive and construction industries is key to business success and to develop a progressive Philippines,” it said.
Bosch partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) back in 2007 where, through their cooperative effort, they were able to train 5,500 auto mechanics.
They partnered again in 2010 where they trained the skills of 11,000 Filipinos for the construction industry, Bosch said.
“We are pleased with the continued success of our technical cooperation with TESDA, which has resulted in the uplifting of training standards and skills for the local community,” Joseph Hong, Bosch Philippines Managing Director, said.
“With the Philippines being a service-driven economy, Bosch aims to contribute to enhancing the country’s service sector and enable more Filipinos to find quality employment and livelihood,” Hong added.
The opening of the new training center comes on the heels of a 6.3 percent improvement in the sales performance of Bosch Philippines for 2011. The Philippines makes up 11.3 percent of the sales increase in the Southeast Asian region in 2011, becoming the fourth largest contributor.
“Making the company’s growth even more significant is the expansion of the Thermotechnology and Security Systems divisions into the local market,” Bosch said.
Hong said that Bosch continued to have a positive outlook for business in the Philippines and were looking to increase investments as well as employment of the skilled Filipino workforce.
“With the rich renewable resources that the Philippines offers, the country is a ready market for Bosch to leverage on to build our presence in this sector,” Hong said.
“We will continue to increase both our investment and the employment of associates, as we build upon establishing a market leadership position in all our business fields in the Philippines,” he said.