Robert Bosch

Robert Bosch (September 23, 1861 - March 12, 1942), German industrialist and philanthropist, born in Albeck near Ulm as the 11th child of Servatius and Margarate Bosch, themselves children of wealthy farmers.

After an apprenticeship as a precision mechanic, Bosch worked for several years in renowned mechanical companies in Germany, Great Britain and the USA. In 1861 Bosch founded his own company, the "Werkstätte für Feinmechanik und Elektrotechnik" (Workshop for precision mechanics and electro-technology) in Stuttgart. In 1887 Bosch built an improved version of the magneto. In 1902 his company developed the high-tension magneto. This invention, together with the spark plug, was the foundation for the future expansion of the Robert Bosch GmbH.

In 1906, Bosch introduced the 8-hour workday for his company. In 1910 he gave 1 million Mark to the technical University in Stuttgart.

In 1913, Bosch gave 20 million Mark for charitable purposes. The Bosch Company developed the injection pump for the diesel engine in 1927. At the same time Bosch tried to reduce his dependency on the 'crisis-barometer' automobile and expanded into power tools, radios and household appliances.

He died in Stuttgart on March 12, 1942.

See also: Robert Bosch GmbH