Bosch Contributes $35,000 to Help Fund Splash Pad for Albion, Ind., Community

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Feb. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert Bosch LLC has committed $35,000 to the Noble County, Ind., Community Fund in support of the Albion Lions Club as it raises money for Operation Splash Pad, an initiative that will provide a fun refuge from hot summer days for children and adults alike. The Splash Pad will be free of charge, and will serve as a community gathering place.

First opened in 1993, Bosch's Albion facility employs more than 250 full-time and temporary associates today.  As part of Bosch's Automotive Technology business sector, the Albion facility supplies thermal systems components such as engine cooling fan assemblies, pump and valve assemblies, and HVAC blower assemblies.

"Corporate support for community improvement initiatives, such as the Splash Pad, is essential to creating thriving, successful cities and neighborhoods," said Michael Sagan, Bosch Albion plant manager. "Contributing to local initiatives is important for Bosch because this is where our associates live and play. The Splash Pad is a meaningful and fun way to make a difference in Albion," Sagan said.

The Albion Lions Club has raised $57,500 of the $113,734 needed for the project. With help from community supporters and corporate sponsors, the Lions Club is confident the goal can be attained and the Splash Pad can become a new fixture in the Albion Hidden Diamonds Park.

"This project will give Albion residents a place to relax and have fun in the summer, without impacting their pocketbook," said Brady Truex, of the Albion Lions Club. "We are pleased to work with Bosch, a strong community-focused company, on this important project. Our hope is that other businesses and community members will also continue to help us reach our fundraising goal. All contributions are important and will help us attain our goal.  Equally important, we are all working together to improve our community."

The Splash Pad will include approximately 1,000 square feet of non-skid play area, located at the Albion Hidden Diamonds Park.  It will accommodate up to 30 children at one time.  The Splash Pad also includes a user activation device that will have a timer to maintain set hours of operation in an effort to conserve water when not in use. 

"Bosch was founded on the principle that corporate entities should not only provide innovative products, but also enhance the quality of life for its consumers and the communities in which we operate," said Maximiliane Straub, chief financial officer of Robert Bosch LLC and vice president, Bosch Community Fund. "We are excited about this unique opportunity to contribute to the Splash Pad, because giving back to the community we serve is an essential part of what we do."

The Bosch Community Fund awards more than $3 million annually in grants and contributions meant to create better lives for communities, students and families across the U.S.  The BCF focuses primarily on the enrichment of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and the advancement of environmental sustainability initiatives.

About the Bosch Community Fund:
The Bosch Community Fund, a U.S.-based foundation established in September 2011, awards more than $3 million annually in grants and contributions to various 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions. The BCF focuses primarily on the enrichment of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education and the advancement of environmental sustainability initiatives.

About Bosch:
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services, active in the fields of automotive technology, energy and building technology, industrial technology, and con­sumer goods. According to preliminary figures, more than 306,000 associates generated sales of 52.3 billion euros ($67.2 billion USD) in 2012. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Bosch spent some 4.5 billion euros ($5.8 billion) for research and development in 2012, and applied for over 4,700 patents worldwide.

The Bosch Group's products and services are designed to fascinate, and to improve the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is "Invented for life." Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com and www.bosch-press.com.

In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy, healthcare telemedicine and software solutions. Having established a regional presence in 1906, Bosch employs over 22,500 associates in more than 100 locations, with sales of $9.8 billion in fiscal year 2011.  For more information, visit www.boschusa.com, www.bosch.com.mx and www.bosch.ca.

About the Noble County Community Fund
Noble County Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish charitable funds. NCCF is a collection of funds contributed by individual citizens, corporations, other charitable organizations and government agencies to benefit Noble County. We are a service providing cost effective ways for donors to make a long term difference to the causes close to their heart. To improve the quality of life in Noble County by serving as a catalyst for positive change, enabling donors to carry out charitable intent, and making grants. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in Noble County be serving as a catalyst for positive change, enabling donors to carry out charitable intent, and making grants.

SOURCE Robert Bosch LLC