Johnson Controls Announces Planned Investment in Its Automotive Battery Recycling Center in Cienega De Flores, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

MILWAUKEE, Aug. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls, Inc. (NYSE: JCI) today announced plans to invest more than $70 million in its automotive battery recycling center in Cienega de Flores, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The investment will fund the replacement of the Cienega facility's existing rotary furnaces with larger, more efficient rotary furnaces as well as the addition of proven state-of-the-art environmental control technologies.

"This investment is part of our overall strategy to grow recycling capacity in North America," said Allen Martin, vice president and general manager, Americas for Johnson Controls Power Solutions. "Our continuing upgrades ensure this facility will be among the most environmentally advanced battery recycling operations in the world, reinforcing our commitment to both U.S. and Mexican air emission standards."

Through its investment in the Cienega facility, Johnson Controls strengthens its proven track record in employee health and safety.

"Our recycling operations in Mexico are already well below the current U.S. standard for employee blood lead levels and substantially better than the average performance of competitive U.S. recycling facilities," said Mike Carr, vice president and general manager for Johnson Controls Power Solutions Americas Recycling Business. "With these enhancements to our Cienega facility, we continue to establish industry-leading benchmarks for the safety and health of our employees."

Johnson Controls' Power Solutions business is the world's leading supplier of automotive batteries and a recognized leader in closed-loop, automotive battery recycling. The company has been instrumental in making automotive batteries the most recycled consumer product in the United States.

"Johnson Controls has a long history of manufacturing and recycling batteries safely and responsibly," Martin said. "We are committed to acting responsibly to safely transport and recycle batteries.  Furthermore, as a global leader we are committed to continuing to be an industry leader to minimize the impact our industry has on the environment."

In addition to its investments in Mexico, Johnson Controls Power Solutions is also investing in the United States, where it has recently announced the addition of more than 1,000 jobs and the retention of another 400 jobs through its investments in advanced lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, and lead-acid battery recycling.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. The company's 154,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Johnson Controls' commitment to sustainability dates back to its roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through its growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful.  In 2011, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #1 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list.  www.johnsoncontrols.com

About Johnson Controls Power Solutions

Johnson Controls Power Solutions is the global leader in lead-acid starter batteries and advanced lead-acid batteries for Start-Stop vehicles. Our 35 manufacturing facilities supply more than one third of the world's lead-acid batteries to major auto makers and aftermarket retailers. Through our innovations we are building the advanced battery industry for more fuel efficient and sustainable vehicles. Our commitment to sustainability is evidenced by our world-class technology, manufacturing and recycling capabilities.

SOURCE Johnson Controls, Inc.