Bosch says it offers “solutions for safe, energy efficient and productive mining.” It is targeting the continents of Africa and Oceania for the further expansion of its mining and industrial solutions. “Our company has been doing business in Africa since the very early 20th century,” says Landry Meya, Key Account Manager Mining Africa region, who is representing the company at the Investing in African Mining Indaba exhibition in Cape Town. “With positive economic development underpinned by both a wealth of raw materials and by an increasingly well-educated workforce and growing middle class, Bosch sees great potential for its business in Africa. The growing infrastructure and industry also offer good opportunities for the mining sector”, Meya adds.
The Bosch brand is renowned internationally and is looking to increase that brand presence in Africa through its mining activities. At the Mining Indaba, Bosch will showcase innovative technology and reliable equipment for mining. “Our products and solutions are ‘invented for life, meaning they are both cutting edge and practical, ensuring ease of use and application for our customers,” says Meya. According to preliminary figures, the company generated global sales of more than 70 billion euros in 2015. Annually, the Bosch Group invests around 10% of its sales on research and development. This innovative strength is also beneficial for Bosch’s mining solutions.
Bosch Mining offers drive systems for conveyor belts, apron feeders and diagnostic equipment components. This includes services for mining and construction vehicles; access control and video surveillance systems; fire and voice evacuation systems; building management systems; and energy-efficient heating and hot-water systems using process heat or solar thermal systems.
Bosch’ mining and industrial solutions are already well established elsewhere, such as in the Americas, particularly countries such as Peru, Panama, Brazil, Chile and Argentina. The company believes that its credibility and reputation will allow it to leverage existing strong links with 15 major mining houses in South America (where they are involved in 50 projects in South America), who will receive the same service and relationship with Bosch in Africa as they would anywhere else in the world.
“We believe in building long-term relationships with our customers,” says Meya. “We do not just sell products, we sell solutions. It’s about improving lead times for our clients, which currently, is a significant challenge in Africa. Making mines safer, more energy efficient and productive is also a key ingredient we bring to the table”.
Initially, Bosch is targeting 24 of Africa’s 54 states, some of this include: Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia.