Editorial - May 2003

Lincoln industry recognized for corporate citizenship

Published May 16, 2003

Congratulations to a Lincoln County industry recognized in Charlotte last week for its corporate philanthropy and volunteerism. Locally, we already know about the corporate citizenship of Vermont American, now formally known as Robert Bosch Tool Corp.

The company was recognized as a top industry in the Charlotte Mayor’s International Community Awards.  The tool maker, headquartered in Germany, employs approximately 500 people in Lincoln County, and has some 10,000 workers worlwide.

The company normally maintains a low profile. It did not seek out the Charlotte mayor’s award. It was nominated by the Rotary Club of Lincolnton.

Founded as a saw blade maker in 1948, the company has quietly grown over 40 years into one of the largest and most recognized manufacturer of power tool accessories and hand tools.

Bosch is heavily involved in charitable causes, perhaps as much as any international corporation on the globe. Last year it gave $50 million to charitable programs.

The company has two Lincoln County facilities — the Distribution Center on Indian Creek Road and the Lincolnton Manufacturing Division on the Maiden Highway.

The annual award honors international companies that contribute to their community in a 16-county region surrounding the Charlotte area.

The company has supported community projects in Lincoln County since it arrived here in 1960. It has sponsored the Free Enterprise Scholarship for high school seniors for 15 years, and is the largest contributor to the Rotary Clubs annual auction.

It also supports the March of Dimes, the United Way, The American Red Cross, Wal-Mart’s Children’s Network, Hospice, Christian Ministries and the Dogwood School of the Blind, among others.

The company was also recognized at the Lincolnton/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Banquet as the first recipient of the outstanding industry award, presented by the Lincoln County Economic Development Association.

During this era of corporate corruption, it is refreshing to have a Robert Bosch Tool Corp. in the spotlight.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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