Executive Hire News › Archives › December 2009 › Executive Report : Bosch tools up
Executive Report : Bosch tools up
At the opening of its new UK training centre, Bosch showed the results of its continuing investment in the development of new products with added features and benefits.
With a claimed 28% share of the European power tools market, Bosch benefits from its leading position and strong brand name. However, with the overall UK sales of professional power tools down 25% this year due to the economic climate, the manufacturer is not resting on its laurels. It continues to invest approximately 8% of its turnover in new product development, and has opened a much bigger training centre at its UK base in Denham.
Speaking at the official opening of the new centre, Bosch’s Worldwide Head of Training Services, Juergen Mamber, emphasised the importance placed on this aspect of the business. Bosch has carried out product training at Denham for 25 years and the new, 35% larger facility includes three well-equipped workshops for woodworking, measuring, and cutting metal, stone and concrete. Whilst the centre’s primary purpose is to impart product knowledge to the company’s own sales force, it is also used by customers. As Training Manager Eric Streuli says, “We offer bespoke product and health and safety courses for hire industry personnel.”
The practical training workshops were used during the official opening to demonstrate the features and benefits of the latest Bosch products. At the event, Steve Hillier, Brand Manager for Professional Tools, stated that the company has maintained a high level of new product introductions and updates this year, and that many more new developments are due next year.
He added that the latest developments address legal and Health & Safety requirements, such as minimising operator exposure to dust and vibration, as well as significant market trends. He also highlighted the increasing prominence of Lithium-ion batteries and the continuing swing towards the use of cordless tools.
One new product of particular note is the GSB 19-2 REA Professional, claimed by the manufacturer to be the world’s first professional impact drill with an integrated dust extraction unit. This 900watt corded tool incorporates an easily emptied container, whose capacity can accommodate the dust produced from drilling up to 130 6x30mm holes. The drill has two impellors, one for cooling the motor and the other for creating the high suction used to safely draw off the dust.
It weighs 3.2kg, 0.6kg more than the standard version. The addition of integrated dust extraction results in a 33% price premium,
but Bosch considers that the safety benefits provided greatly outweigh the extra cost. It is expected that the system will become available for cordless tools at some stage in the future.
The latest cordless tools include the 14.4V GSR 14.4-2LI and 18V GSR 18.2-LI Professional drill/drivers, which weigh only 1.3kg and 1.4kg respectively. They have Lithium-ion batteries that are claimed to allow longer tool use between charges, due to an Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) system. As an option, both tools are available in sturdy L-Boxx packaging, comprising a robust, stackable carrying case compatible with the system used by the van racking specialist, Sortimo. This clip-together, safe storage system is used by several tool hire companies.
Other new tool launches include the powerful 1100watt GSB 21-2RE Professional and 1300watt GSB 21-2RCT Professional impact drills. The latter has the extra features of Constant Electronic and Torque Control. An addition to Bosch’s woodworking tools portfolio is the powerful GKS 190 Professional circular saw complete with a Turbo dust-blower.
Extensive range of accessories
Bosch continues to expand its already extensive range of accessories, with newcomers including additional Extra Clean for Wood jigsaw blades, and Endurance for Heavy Metal sabre saw blades. The company aims to provide a ‘one stop shop’ for its accessories - over 75% of which are now made in-house.
Another area of expansion is in measuring, detecting and levelling equipment. Next year will see the introduction of a dedicated measuring tool catalogue that will include the latest laser range finders, wall scanners and multi-purpose detectors. Indeed, Bosch says it aims to become market leader in measuring tools. •
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