Bosch's History in Turkey: From Sales Office to Production Facility
German technology company Bosch began its operations in Turkey in 1910, establishing a sales office, and opened its first production facility in Bursa in 1973.
Robert Bosch GmbH, the German technology firm, commenced its business activities in Turkey in 1910, initially setting up a sales office.
The company's founder, Robert Bosch, harbored a lifelong friendship with Turkey and donated funds for a "House of Friendship" in Istanbul in 1917.
Business relations faced setbacks during World War I and ceased entirely during World War II, but efforts to revive them began post-war. In 1948, Bosch representative Karl Zehender observed thousands of American cars on Istanbul streets, with no German vehicles sighted. He confirmed the potential for success, and Ahmet Veli Menger was appointed as Bosch's sole commercial agent in Turkey.
The growing demand for diesel injection system nozzles prompted Bosch to establish its own production facility in Bursa, founded in 1970. The first plant was inaugurated in 1973. Today, the Bursa facility manufactures a wide range of automotive technology products for both diesel and gasoline engines. Additionally, Bosch produces heating systems, automation technology, and household appliances in Istanbul and Manisa. The company employs 18,000 associates in Turkey.