Bosch shuts Bangalore plant temporarily

German auto component maker Bosch today said it will temporarily stop producing auto parts in India as part of its global working hours rationalization programme due to the slowdown in international markets.

The company has also decided not to absorb about 300 trainees, who were undertaking vocational training at its different plants in the country.

"Out of five plants in India, we manufacture automotive parts in four and these are the plants, where rationalization is constantly taking place as demand of all kinds of auto components is falling," Bosch Ltd spokesperson said.

The company is closing down temporarily the manufacturing activities of starters and generators at its Naganathapura plant from December 19-31.

The spokesperson said Bosch is also considering to have more temporary halting of productions of various auto parts in its four plants -- Bangalore, Naganathapura, Nashik and Jaipur -- during January next year.

It has been done to adjust production to meet demand for products and to avoid unnecessary inventory buildup.

The spokesperson said the step is in line with German firm's worldwide policy for rationalising working hours as per demand.

The firm has also decided not to absorb people from the current batch of about 300 trainees.

"We train about 300 people in our all plants every year, of which few are taken in the company on probation. Eventually few of them get absorbed in the company," the spokesperson said, adding due to slump in the market and subsequent production cuts, no trainees would be inducted this year in the company.

source :http://profit.ndtv.com/2008/12/16165054/Bosch-to-idle-India-plants-sh.html