Portable electric power tools and accessories maker Bosch Power Tools (PT), a part of Germany’s Bosch group, has drawn up aggressive plans to increase the sale of ‘Made-in-India’ products.
During 2014, Bosch PT sold 1 million tool kits, of which 33 per cent were manufactured in Bengaluru and rest were imported.
The company plans to double the domestic sales in the next four-to-five years. To meet the increased demand, the company has started the process of shifting the manufacturing facility to Sriperumbudur.
Vijay Pandey, Vice-President, Bosch PT division, India and SAARC, said: “We are putting up a facility in Sriperumbudur that has a capacity to produce annually nine lakh units. Last year, we sold three lakh units, and this unit will take care of our demand for the next four-to-five years. The new facility will be inaugurated soon.”
While refusing to disclose the investment details of the new unit, he said that there was hardly any difference in quality regarding the domestic and imported kits. “Imported kits are slightly costlier due to the tax component. Hence, we are coming out with products that are affordable and enhance productivity. Besides, emphasis is given on selling cordless and lithium-ion technology products,” he said.
Bosch PT, which has one-third market share in the Rs.1,200-crore Indian power tools market, has been posting double-digit growth for the last seven years. South accounts for about 36 per cent of sales, of which Tamil Nadu share was 40 per cent.
It was a challenge to penetrate the Tier-III and Tier-IV cities, Mr. Pandey said. Bosch PT invested 8-10 per cent on research and development activities to widen its offering. Last year, it resulted in introduction of 100 new tool kits.
Apart from catering to the needs of professionals and construction sector, Bosch PT introduced Do-It-Yourself kits that were well received by home users, hobbyists and home gardening users.
