Bosch Rexroth expands hydraulics operation

Bosch Rexroth officially opened its newly expanded hydraulics manufacturing and distribution center in Bethlehem, Pa.

The new manufacturing facility houses the company’s valve and manifold manufacturing center for mobile and industrial hydraulics. The new logistics and distribution facility handles shipments to more than 500 customers, including its nationwide network of Drive & Control distributors.

The $2.2 million expansion adds about 150,000 square feet, giving the company approximately 200,000 square feet over two buildings for the distribution and manufacturing operation.

“Not only is Bethlehem a convenient location from which to serve our hydraulics customers in North America, but this region has also played a major role in Bosch Rexroth’s history,” says Bosch Rexroth Americas President and CEO Berend Bracht. “As our business has grown here over the years, we’ve been able to add good manufacturing jobs for the region’s very capable employee base. Our expansion here is a reflection of our commitment to support sustainable business operations in the Lehigh Valley.”

With the expansion, Bosch Rexroth now has seven facilities across two campuses with approximately 450,000 total square feet for manufacturing, distribution, logistics, administration, service and storage in Bethlehem. It is the company’s second-largest hydraulics operation in the U.S. after its Fountain Inn, S.C., facility that was expanded last year.

In addition to valves and manifolds, the new manufacturing facility produces industrial, mobile and compact controls and provides testing and service support. The new distribution and logistics facility is where shipping, receiving, logistics, quality control, traffic management and accounting is handled. The company’s overall Bethlehem operations also include production for large hydraulic systems and power units and employ approximately 700 people.

Bosch Rexroth’s other facilities for industrial and mobile hydraulic components are in Houston and Dallas, Texas; Lake Zurich, Ill. and Columbus, Ohio.