Application of Steel Structure in Bosch NEV R&D and Workshop Expansion – Suzhou (2024–2025)

Project Name: Application of Steel Structure in Bosch NEV Components & R&D Facility Expansion
Location: Suzhou Industrial Park, Jiangsu Province, China
Project Time: March 2024 – February 2025

Overview

In March 2024, Bosch received approval to commence construction on the second phase of its NEV components and autonomous driving R&D center in Suzhou Industrial Park, Jiangsu Province. This expansion includes state-of-the-art R&D facilities, production workshops, and assembly lines, covering a substantial area to support Bosch’s increased capacity in the electric vehicle sector.

To meet demanding structure requirements in terms of flexibility, load-bearing capacity, and rapid assembly, steel structure was selected as the core building system for the project.

Solution

The project utilized prefabricated high-strength steel beams and columns, combined with steel decking and purlin systems, to frame the expanded facility. Key advantages include:

Rapid assembly: Modular prefabricated components accelerated onsite installation.

Large-span design: Steel structure allowed for open, column-free workshop floors.

Precision and stability: Superior dimensional accuracy favored R&D and production requirements.

Cost-effective and sustainable: Reusable components reduce lifecycle cost and support green building goals.

Application in Facility

R&D Building: Spacious, fully column-free layout enhanced flexibility for test benches and labs.

Production Workshop: Large spans accommodated EV assembly lines and heavy equipment.

Combined Use Areas: Unified structural approach across R&D and production zones maintained architectural consistency and operational efficiency.

Result & Feedback

By February 2025, the steel structure expansion was completed on schedule, enabling Bosch to scale up production and R&D activities effectively. The project team praised the system’s efficiency, noting that modular steel construction significantly shortened schedule, reduced labor needs, and improved site safety. Bosch and local stakeholders were impressed by how the facility's design supports both high-tech manufacturing and future expansion.