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Robert Bosch

Robert Bosch (September 23, 1861 - March 12, 1942), german industrialist[?] and philantropist[?], born in Albeck[?] near Ulm as the 11th child of Servatius and Margarate Bosch, themselves children of wealthy farmers.

After an apprenticeship as a precision mechanic[?] he worked for several years in renowned mechanical companies in Germany, Great Britain and the USA. In 1861 Bosch founded his own company, the "Werkstätte für Feinmechanik und Elektrotechnik" (Workshop for precision mechanics and electro-technology) in Stuttgart. In 1887 Bosch builds an improved version of the magneto. In 1902 his company develops the high-tension[?] magneto. This invention, together with the spark plug, is the foundation for the future expansion of the Robert Bosch GmbH.

In 1906 Bosch introduced the 8 hour workday for his company. In 1910 Bosch gives 1 million Mark to the technical University in Stuttgart.

In 1913 Bosch gives 20 million Mark for charitable purposes. In 1927 the Bosch Company develops the injection pump for the diesel engine. At the same time Bosch tries to reduce his dependency on the 'crisis[?]-barometer' automobile and expands into power tools, radios and household[?] appliances.

He died in Stuttgart.