When Bosch Security started restructuring its Australian business model in early 2014 and moved a large base of its customers through to distribution, many in the industry thought this would be the decline of the brand. But the business has remained robust, growing in almost all business units while increasing profitability.
In video surveillance Bosch concentrates on the project business through system integrators but its growth in access and intrusion has been in majority thanks to key distribution partners. New product lines such as Solution 2000 and 3000 have also contributed strongly to the company’s success.
“We grew in double digits over the past year, which is several times more than the intrusion market growth rate,” said James Layton. “Bosch Security Systems intrusion sales volume in Australia grew by more than 10 per cent over previous year, almost 5 times more than the forecast local market rate.”
According to Layton, there’s sure to be more growth coming from new products like the new G Series integrated security solution and the high-tech Denso Laser Sensors.
“We’re also expecting growth through industry product training and partnership with Integracom, as well as through our Bosch Security Certified Partner programme, which has really paid dividends,” he said. “The 10-year-old program was rebuilt almost from scratch 2 years ago and has been developed to support and reward Bosch Partners.
“The current Bosch Security mantra is ‘maximising connectivity’ and Bosch engineers are working worldwide on open source platforms that not only link Bosch Security products, but will soon integrate with Bosch products from other business units as well as a multitude of brands within the security, audio and home automation industries.”
Meanwhile, Bosch’s MD Chris Dellenty said he was delighted with the performance of the Australian business over the last 24 months.
“We’ve transformed out business in the last 2 years, and together with the fantastic new products coming our way, and our focus on the best customer experience possible, these are exciting times for Bosch and its partners.”
Bosch’s local success has been noticed at head office in Germany, too.
“The growth rates for our access an intrusion business in Australia have been very satisfactory and exceeded our expectations,” said Falk Herrmann, global head of intrusion. “This is a great achievement in a very mature and competitive market.” ♦
