Bosch Rexroth expanding hydraulics plant in S.C.

Company’s $80 million investment will transform warehouse into 260,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility

By Bob Vavra, CFE Media April 1, 2013

Bosch Rexroth will invest $80 million over the next five years to expand its hydraulics manufacturing campus in South Carolina. Gov. Nikki Haley and Bosch Rexroth Americas President Berend Bracht launched the expansion in March at the company’s Fountain Inn, S.C. facility, which will transform its current 260,000 sq. ft. warehouse into what the company said would be the largest hydraulics manufacturing facility in the Americas.

“The Bosch investment for expanded production in Fountain Inn increases our ability to serve the needs of our local and regional customers,” said Bracht. “In turn, this enhances their opportunity to participate in industrial and mobile equipment markets on a global basis, drawing on the support of a partner like Bosch Rexroth that is recognized around the world for superior technology, reliability, applications expertise and service.” 

Initially, the plant will produce the Rexroth A10VO hydraulic pump, used in agricultural machinery, mining, materials handling, and heavy industries.

Five assembly lines and multiple state-of-the-art machining centers have been installed for the production of the A10VO, along with one line for vane motor assembly. The facility operates utilizing a Lean manufacturing and continuous quality improvement system called the Bosch Production System, which is used by Bosch production operations worldwide to ensure the highest levels of product quality. 

Rexroth also has made a donation of $420,000 in funds and equipment to Greenville Technical College’s training program. The funding came from Bosch Rexroth and the Bosch Community Fund.

“We truly value the commitment Bosch has made to be a part of our state’s business community, and we are excited to see them invest in South Carolina,” said Gov. Haley. “We celebrate the 160 new jobs the company will create with this campus and look forward to its continued success.”