Bosch opens Sh100m go-down in Nairobi

German industrial parts maker Bosch Rexroth has opened its first-ever go-down in East Africa in Nairobi, marking the start of its expansion into the regional market.

The Sh100 million ($1 million) facility will provide heavy machinery parts like hydraulic pumps and filters, pumps, hoses, fittings, pipes and hydraulic valves.

Customers will also get training on how to use the wide range of equipment they purchase from the facility.

“We now have a foot-print in Kenya that we can use to expand in the region. This will be the launch-pad for the regional hub in the next two years,” Bosch Rexroth country manager for Kenya Gary Shaw said yesterday.

He added that the company expects its biggest growth in the East and West Africandue to the in-roads made in the mining and transport sectors.

There are currently eight local staff working at the facility, with the number expected to rise as the company expands in the local and regional market.

Mr Gary, however, said the new facility will not affect the distribution deal with Socabelec East Africa, a local firm that has been selling some of its products in the country.

The firm currently has three regional hubs across the continent with the biggest in Johannesburg serving the Southern African market.

Another hub in Casablanca, Morocco serves the North African market while its centre for the West African region is located in Ghana.

The German industrial parts maker has been distributing its equipment across Africa through Hytec Holdings since 1966.

It currently owns the company following a 100 percent acquisition in March.

Bosch Rexroth is the industrial subsidiary of Bosch Group which also manufactures consumer products and mobility solutions.