Manfred Mueller
Robert Bosch LLC

Corporate social responsibility is anchored into everything we do at Bosch and is an important part of our company's culture. From our very beginnings, we have accepted that our actions must accord with the interests of society.

Three decades ago already, we began putting principles of responsibility into action with what we call the 3S program – "sicher, sauber and sparsam" in German, which translates to "safe, clean and economical." These principles are more pertinent than ever as we try to make automobiles safer and more eco-friendly.

We are extremely proud that we were named among the first suppliers in Ford's Aligned Business Framework. The continued collaborations within this ABF network should help Ford and the industry as a whole advance human rights, promote better working conditions and align industry standards and practices across the supply base.

There is a lengthy journey in becoming an ABF supplier, and we had a very intense exchange of information with Ford about Bosch's approach to human rights in our own operations and supply chain. Over the course of the process, we found, in fact, that our two companies shared a common philosophy of social responsibility. Bosch has historically maintained a commitment to healthy working conditions and human rights on a worldwide basis.

For example, our founder, Robert Bosch, pioneered the launch of welfare programs for associates and their families and played an active philanthropic role that continues with a foundation in his name. Even a century ago, it wasn't easy to steer a course between being a successful entrepreneur and a socially-minded businessman.

Healthy and safe working conditions are essential if a work force is to perform well. And minimizing risk in working conditions saves production costs in the long run. We will only improve our living conditions by taking action – not by doing nothing.

Global competition is putting increasing pressure on companies to produce greater quantities at lower prices, even as the growing strain on resources raises the need to develop acceptable solutions. We regard the accelerated integration of the global economy as both a challenge and an opportunity. Yet we believe our bedrock principles allow us to create a healthy balance between our economic and our social responsibilities.

Manfred Mueller
Executive Vice President, Original Equipment Sales, Robert Bosch LLC