JEDDAH, 17 March 2008 — Franz Fehrenbach, the Chairman of Germany's diversified technology giant Robert Bosch GmbH, visited E. A. Juffali & Brothers headquarters in Jeddah along with a high level delegation that included senior board member Wolfgang Chur.
Khaled Juffali while welcoming the delegation highlighted the longstanding business relationships between the two companies, which started back in 1965. He also briefed the guests on the unprecedented infrastructure development the Kingdom has witnessed.
With its annual turnover grossing 46 billion euros (SR250 billion) and over 270,000 employees, Robert Bosch GmbH is described as the world's largest supplier of automobile components enjoying robust business ties with virtually all noteworthy automobile companies around the globe. The automotive product portfolio of the company ranges from all-familiar components like starters, alternators and spark plugs to the cutting edge solutions such as power train automation and vehicle dynamics stability. In addition to auto-component supply business, which brings in more than 60 percent of its revenues, the company also produces industrial machinery, power tools and consumer goods.
Innovation, the Bosch chief said, has been the driving force behind the company's sustained growth and competitive edge for over a century. Not only has the group employed leading scientists, but it also has consistently earmarked a huge eight percent of its revenues for research and development.
Juffali, Bosch's sole representative for over 40 years, has played a significant role in the Kingdom's development. The group has the trust of over 100 foreign partners including Mercedes Benz, Siemens, IBM, Michelin, Dow Chemicals and Liebherr in diversified commercial and industrial sectors.
Bosch is represented by Juffali Auto Parts Company (JAPCO) in the automotive aftermarket and diagnostics sector while Juffali Technical Equipment Company (JTECO) focuses on power tools.
Both Fehrenbach and Khaled Juffali shared confidence in the ongoing economic growth in the Kingdom. They believe that the record government spending and the unfolding mega projects promise more business opportunities as well as social uplift.
This was Bosch's highest level visit to the Kingdom that came at a time when the company has upgraded its regional office in Dubai into a subsidiary to address the Middle East market needs more closely.