Robert Bosch named as top manufacturer

Robert Bosch Corp.’s Charleston plant has been named Manufacturer of the Year in the large employer category by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

Other companies also received top honors during the chamber’s 2001 Manufacturers Appreciation Night Tuesday.

The awards are the top manufacturing awards given in South Carolina. In their sixth year, the awards are given in categories based on size of operations in South Carolina.

The 2001 recipients are:
• Large employer, Robert Bosch Corp. in Charleston.
• Medium employer, Roche Carolina located in Florence.
• Small employer (with headquarters in S.C.), Sumter Packaging Corp. Sumter.
• Small employer (with headquarters outside S.C.), Nibrol, a division of Turnils North America in Lancaster.

Robert Bosch Corp.’s Charleston plant began operations in 1974. The Charleston facility, which employs more than 2,000 and is Dorchester County’s largest employer, makes antilock braking systems, diesel systems and fuel injection systems.

Bosch Charleston has a team-oriented plant program to develop shop floor associates into self-directed work teams. The plant initiated a formal apprenticeship program in 1976, which has developed into a model for the manufacturing world.

Bosch also has ties with Trident Technical College for the apprenticeship program and professional development of associates.

Also, Bosch employees donate more than 10,000 hours of personal time each year to community groups. Plant activities support the Children’s Hospital Fund, Junior Achievement and the Trident Literacy Council.

Other finalists were:
• Alcoa Mount Holly Inc., an aluminum manufacturer.
• DAA Draexlmaier Automotive of America LLC in Duncan, a maker of automobile interiors.
• Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. in Gaffney, chassis maker for RVs, buses and step vans.
• GKN Automotive Inc. in Columbia, a manufacturer of automotive components.
• Holland Hitch Atlantic Division in Denmark, a manufacturer of fifth wheels and hitches.
• Precision Machine Works in Aiken, a maker of machined parts.
• The R.L. Bryan Co. in Columbia, a printer.
• Yanagawa of South Carolina Inc. in Manning, a maker of engine, differential and rim parts.