Johnson Controls announces plans to build automotive battery manufacturing facility in Tianjin, China

TIANJIN, China, June 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls, Inc., the world's leading supplier of automotive batteries, today participated in a signing ceremony in Tianjin, China to announce a planned $200 million automotive battery plant, pending final approval. The state-of-the-art facility will supply automakers and the aftermarket in China with high quality maintenance-free lead-acid starter batteries and advanced batteries for Start-Stop vehicles.

"This plant demonstrates our long-term commitment to the rapidly growing automotive industry in China," said Alex Molinaroli, president, Johnson Controls Power Solutions. "We are forecasting 25 million in annual new car sales in China by 2015. This plant is a further indication of the strategic importance of this market for Johnson Controls."

Johnson Controls Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Steve Roell attended the ceremony along with local government official Deputy Secretary-General of the CPC Tianjin Municipal Committee He Lifeng and Vice President and General Manager for Johnson Controls Power Solutions Asia Shu Yang.

"We are now striving to develop new energy and green industries to realize the commitment to sustainability via energy saving and emission reduction," said Lifeng. "Johnson Controls is a global leader in the fields of auto parts and building efficiency. It has diversified technologies and enjoys a high market share. This project will be a great platform to leverage Johnson Controls' leading technologies and expand its investment in China. We will try the best to provide a more investment-friendly environment to fully support the development of companies in Binhai New Area. This is a win-win situation to both of us."

Johnson Controls plans to grow to 30 million in annual battery capacity in China by 2017. The company recently launched production at its Changxing facility and its Chongqing plant is scheduled to launch later this year. The company also has an automotive battery plant in Shanghai that was part of an acquisition in 2005.

"The city of Tianjin offers excellent leadership in industry and economic development that will help us to achieve our long-term investment plan for growth in the China market," said Yang. "With the in-depth and highly collaborative support from local governments, we have built our plants in Changxing and Chongqing, and we look forward to establishing our footprint in the North here in Tianjin."

Tianjin is the largest coastal city in the North and is considered the economic center of the region. Its population is approaching 13 million, with a growth rate of 17.4 percent and a GDP of US$174.6 billion in 2011, pushing the growth rate to 16.5 percent. Located on the East Coast of Tianjin and center of Circum-Bohai-Sea Region, Tianjin Binhai New Area has a planning area of 2,270 square kilometers and a population of 2.48 million. As part of China's strategic development plan, Tianjin Binhai New Area has become another engine for regional economic growth after Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and Pudong New Area.

Construction for the Tianjin plant will begin between 2012 and the first half of 2013 with production expected to start in late 2014. The Tianjin Plant will produce more than 6 million batteries annually at full capacity.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 162,000 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. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

About Johnson Controls Power Solutions

Johnson Controls Power Solutions is the global leader in lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for Start-Stop, hybrid and electric vehicles. Our 50 manufacturing, recycling and distribution centers supply more than one-third of the world's lead-acid batteries to major automakers and aftermarket retailers. Through our innovations we are building the advanced battery industry for hybrid and electric vehicles. We were the first company in the world to produce lithium-ion batteries for mass-production hybrid vehicles. Our commitment to sustainability is evidenced by our world-class technology, manufacturing and recycling capabilities.

SOURCE Johnson Controls