Power tool firm benefits from construction boom

CEBU, Philippines - Together with its constant product innovation, the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation along with SkilPower Tools as its subsidiary continues to enjoy the robust economic growth, real estate boom and thriving construction industry.

Bosch and Skil Power Tools brand manager Martin Valenzuela said that the vibrant economy has been giving Bosch a double-digit growth every year.

Other growth drivers that he cited include the real estate sector, construction industry and trade development.

He cited that for the first time, Asia has rated an equal performance with the European market in terms of the company’s sales.

He said that the Southeast Asian region including the Philippines has posted the highest growth up to 20% which significantly contributed to the overall growth of Bosch in the global market.

Valenzuela revealed that they are currently working out on new products to be launched this year such as other electric portable tools and magnetic drills to cater to the industrial market.

Banking on strong product innovation, Bosch introduces more than 100 new power tools in the market every year.

He added that the company passes a minimum of 15 patents every day.

He also said that they will concentrate on its quality expansion program for its distributors.

In the Philippines, Bosch has around 60 to 80 distribution outlets of which six are located in Cebu.

Bosch has established its name in the industry as the world market leader and global supplier for power tools and power tool accessories.

As an American brand bought in 1996, SkilPower Tools is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation and is a leader in portable electric power tools and accessories serving the do-it-yourself consumer and professional construction markets.

Skil is considered to be more affordable than other tool brands as it is intended to cater to the market with limited budget such as household users, carpenters, tradesmen and small-scale businessmen.

Its products include circular saws, cordless drill and drivers, cordless screw drivers, cordless tackers, cordless sealant guns, belt sanders, random orbit sanders, multi-sanders, angle grinders, hammers, drills, mixers, jig saws, lasers and measuring tools, reciprocating saws, routers, and planers.

With multi-titled coach Norman Black as their endorser, the Bosch and Skil Power Tools group recently visited Cebu as part of their corporate social responsibility of “painting the town red.”

Acknowledging Filipinos as basketball avid fanatics, the company aims to put up 40 basketball half courts nationwide.

The Parian community was the first barangay in Cebu to enjoy an entire basketball court sponsored by Bosch.

It is also considered to be the 7th court being worked out.

The advocacy started in Manila and will be introduced next in Davao.  (FREEMAN)