Federal, state, and local government officials joined global factory automation supplier Bosch Rexroth Monday in celebrating the opening of its new Tech Center East.
'This facility is a sign of the good things that are happening in Oakland County,' said Rep. Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI 9th), who spoke at the ribbon-cutting event. 'Though Michigan's economy has been struggling, when we focus on our strengths, we succeed. This facility focuses on our strengths - RandD, advanced manufacturing and alternative fuels. I'm proud to have worked with Bosch-Rexroth to help bring new, good-paying jobs to our community.'
'We're very pleased to welcome a company with the reputation of Rexroth to our city, bringing valuable jobs and solutions to this country's dependence on foreign oil,' added Rochester Hills mayor Bryan K. Barnett.
The event included displays of state-of-the-art drive, motion, and control concepts and systems designed and developed at the center, located in the Rochester Hills SmartZone.
The facility will house 120 workers and bring together technical personnel from the company's hydraulics, pneumatics, electric drives, and linear motion and assembly technologies groups.
Berend Bracht, president and Chief Executive Officer of Bosch Rexroth Corp. in North America, noted that the new facility underscores Bosch Rexroth's commitment to the industry.
'We believe the American automotive industry is ready to take a major step forward in updating and modernizing its facilities here and around the world,' explained Bracht. 'As a longtime supplier to the industry around the world and in this country, we believe we can play an important role in that process.'
Tech Center East is deeply involved in the development of the hydraulic hybrid systems that are being tested to conserve energy and reduce the environmental impact of vehicles. The facility plays a major role in the development of Bosch Rexroth's hydraulic regenerative braking system and innovative automation solutions for solar applications. It will focus on the most advanced hydraulics applications like hydraulic hybrid vehicle technology, compact construction machinery, hybrid hydraulic drives, alternate energy, and off-shore marine applications.

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