Bosch to set up large software centre

The Euro 36.4 billion Bosch group through its subsidiary Robert Bosch India is setting up a 1,400 seater development centre in Bangalore at a cost of Rs 85 crore.

The facility, when staffed to full, will take the group's India software development activity headcount to 3000.

Senior officials said, the new facility will be ready for occupation by the second half of 2005 and will continue efforts on automotive applications but with an added focus on Common Rail Direct Injection systems.

Robert Bosch India, founded in 1998, officials said, is capable of independently developing electronic component units and over the last two years achieved 30 per cent and 50 per cent growth in output in person years (as opposed to revenue).

They added, this move will however not entail cutting down on the group's software activities in Europe.

The competitive costs and skill sets available in India has provided Bosch the opportunity to limit fresh staffing in this segment in Europe and instead expand here, they said.

Robert Bosch India carries out the entire gamut of the company's development activities, including diesel technology and car multimedia.