Our history

The story of our success

Robert Bosch standing between his associates.

In 1886, Robert Bosch founded the “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering” in Stuttgart. This was the birth of today’s globally operating company. Right from the start, it was characterized by innovative strength and social commitment.

A journey through our history

“Never forget your humanity, and respect human dignity in your dealings with others.”

Robert Bosch, 1920

Company founder Robert Bosch

Robert Bosch with his sister Maria (1871).

A thirst for knowledge and a wide range of interests

Robert and Margarete Bosch with their son Robert, (1931).

Through highs and lows

Robert Bosch and his licensed hunter Seraphin Schöll (1941).

Always active, even in his free time

Robert Bosch (back row, third from left) together with his associates on a company outing (1896).

“Associates” — not wage earners

“I would rather lose money than trust.”

View of a patients’ room at the Robert Bosch Hospital. Robert Bosch is standing on the balcony (right) (1940).

Apart from the alleviation of all kinds of hardship

Robert Bosch is sitting with two men at an outdoor coffee table.

Liberal politics and social responsibility

Portrait of an old Robert Bosch in a coat with a slider cap in winter outdoors.

After his death

You can see a close-up of a historical workbench in which workpieces could be clamped.

Videos about Bosch history

Films bring history to life: Here you will find moving images of the company's founder and corporate strategies from over a century, highlights from the Bosch history exhibition, interviews with contemporary witnesses, and historical film footage.

History Blog

The history of Bosch is characterized by internationality and innovation - and of course by Robert Bosch. In our History Blog, we summarize individual aspects of our long tradition in exciting stories.

More about the History Blog

Image shows publications about Bosch history

Publications about our history

Want to order one of our free publications or download our company chronicles detailing the life of Robert Bosch and other aspects of the company’s history?

More about publications and chronicles

The story of our success

A journey through our history

The beginnings 1886-1905

Global steps 1906-1925

Cars and beyond 1926 -1945

Reconstruction 1946-1959

New business 1960 -1989

Globalization since 1990