Jobsite Efficiency Heralded as 2013 Building Industry Trend

Bosch Debuts New Tools and Technology at National Hardware Show to Save Tradesmen Time, Money


LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwired - May 9, 2013) - Jobsite efficiency is a major trend to watch this year in the home improvement and building industry, as evidenced by the efficient new products on display at this week's National Hardware Show in Las Vegas. Bosch Power Tools was on hand for the annual tradeshow and showcased several new tools and technologies to aid tradesmen in saving time and money.

"Product development at Bosch includes direct interaction with our customers. There's a lot of talking and listening to contractors so we can bring relevant innovation to the market," said Kevin Enke, director of marketing, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Accessories. "Sometimes it's as simple as pushing productivity with added speed or durability, other times it's creating new solutions to do something in a different way that's easier or safer. But the key is saving time and money, both in the short term and in the bigger picture, by avoiding any rework down the road."

Four key areas were identified as the major contributors to jobsite efficiency in the building industry at NHS: engineering efficiency, high-productivity accessories and attachments, the continued expansion of multi-tools and connectivity.

Engineering Efficiency
Like most technology these days -- computers, smart phones, TVs -- tools are packing a bigger punch in a more compact space thanks to innovations in engineering. Bosch debuted its latest engineering feat at NHS with the introduction of the new 18-volt cordless MXH180BL, the first oscillating multi-tool to hit the market with a brushless EC motor. The tool is part of the expanding Bosch CORE system, featuring internal technology that delivers up to three times longer life, 30 percent more power, 65 percent longer run time and integrated electronics for superior control and motor life.

This trend is also evident in the measuring tools sector where tools are trending toward more compact sizes that are simple and easy to transport, setup and operate on a jobsite. Bosch recently introduced the GLM 50 to the market -- the most complete laser distance measurer in its class. The compact tool measures distances of up to 165 feet with 1/16-inch accuracy and features an intuitive seven button keypad for easy use. It tracks data using the five most common measurement modes: length, area, volume, indirect and continuous measurement modes.

High-Productivity Accessories and Attachments
High-productivity accessories and attachments are essential to a smart tool system. The right accessory or attachment can make jobs quicker, easier and more efficient, saving workers both time and money. Bosch's commitment to innovation is evident in its newest addition to the multi-tool category, precision tip oscillating blades.

Precision tip blades offer two primary advantages over conventional blades: The curvature of a precision tip delivers better debris removal and a greater metal thickness at the interface provides increased vibration control. For the end user, this means greater control and accuracy where the accessory meets the work piece, equating to less time and materials spent on re-dos. All three blades in the new line, OSC114, OSC114F and OSC114JF, offer the advantages of the Bosch Oscillating Interface System (OIS), which features a 12-pin structure that can be used on every professional brand of multi-tool without the need for an adapter.

In addition to bits and blades that affect tool performance, attachments that influence how a tool is positioned or held by the user also impact its effectiveness. Bosch showcased a new tool attachment -- the new BS 150 Compact Tripod -- at NHS, which provides accuracy and time savings to jobsite measuring projects. Combined with the GLL3-80 360° 3-Plane Leveling and Alignment Line Laser, these tools offer a complete laser leveling system right out of the box.

Multi-Tools
The ability to tackle multiple applications with a single tool is another trend that continues to impact jobsite productivity this year. Using just one product, instead of several, means less down time transitioning between tools. Bosch measuring tools continue to advance this trend with multi-tools such as the GCL 25 five-point self-leveling alignment laser with cross-line; GLM 80 + R 60, which transforms from a unique measuring rail into the world's first combination of laser rangefinder and digital level; and GLL3-80, which replaces up to four lasers with one tool - a 6-point, tile, cross-line and rotary laser (dependant on range required).

Tool users are also getting these benefits from Bosch oscillating multi-tools and accessories, which combine to tackle a wide range of applications, including cutting, scraping, grinding and sanding, with just one tool. With the Bosch toolless accessory change lever on the Bosch MX30E and MXH180BL, switching between tasks is as simple as pulling a lever without worrying about losing tools parts while changing blades.

Connectivity
Contractors' use of smartphones on the jobsite jumped 35 percent from last year, with nearly 70 percent of contractors now using smartphones as part of their workday, according to a recent survey by EMA Contractors. With this new knowledge comes the opportunity for brands to provide time-saving solutions to help contractors leverage their smartphone technology to its full advantage on the jobsite. Bosch gave NHS attendees a preview of its new mobile application, designed to elevate project management, increase jobsite productivity and eliminate the need for dated pen and paper notes. Available later this summer for both Android and IOS operating systems, the free Bosch Toolbox includes a number of time-saving, practical applications. Among the highlights include a measurement camera, unit converter, flashlight, dealer and service locator, timesheet entry capabilities and the ability to document and organize building projects utilizing voice memos and photos.

Bosch is continuing to evaluate integrations between tools and smartphones with more innovations to come.

"It's an exciting time in the building industry as new products come online to make every aspect of construction more efficient and safer," said Enke. "At Bosch, we believe that the industry's commitment to innovation will encourage users to employ the best technologies on their worksite -- whether that's advanced fastening systems or new materials. And everyone benefits in that scenario, particularly the end user."

To find out more or to locate a dealer, visit www.boschtools.com or call 877-BOSCH-99.

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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) 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, please visit www.boschusa.com, www.bosch.com.mx and www.bosch.ca.

About Robert Bosch Tool Corporation:
Robert Bosch Tool Corporation in North America, was formed in January 2003 when Robert Bosch GmbH combined its North American power tool, accessory and lawn and garden divisions into one organization. As a manufacturing pioneer with more than a century's worth of experience, the Bosch name has become synonymous with engineering excellence. With 18,000 employees worldwide and 3,500 in North America, the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation is a world leader in the design, manufacture and sale of power tools, rotary and oscillating tools, accessories, laser and optical leveling and range finding tools, and garden and watering equipment. For more information, call toll free 877-BOSCH-99 (877-267-2499) or visit www.boschtools.com, www.dremel.com, www.skiltools.com, www.rotozip.com, www.cstberger.com, www.vermontamerican.com, www.gilmour.com, www.lrnelson.com.