Johnson Controls further expands its automotive battery footprint in China

CHONGQING, China, June 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls is growing its presence in China by opening a new automotive battery manufacturing plant that will produce 6 million automotive batteries per year in the world's largest new vehicle market, where 22 million new vehicles are produced annually.

The global multi-industrial company's new 133,000 square meter facility in Chongqing City reflects an investment of $154 million. Located in Fuling District of Chongqing, in Western China, the new plant will bring state-of-the-art technology and services to customers. It was built with the industry's leading sustainability and environmental standards.

"The opening of our Chongqing plant builds on Johnson Controls' deep history in this region and demonstrates our long-term commitment to China, which is a key strategic market for Johnson Controls,'' said Kenneth Yeng, vice president and general manager of Johnson Controls Power Solutions China. "This facility will not only enable us to meet increasing demand from our customers in China, but will also allow us to demonstrate our global leadership in technology and sustainability."

The new plant in Chongqing is expected to create more than 500 jobs once at full capacity. Johnson Controls entered the Chinese automotive supply market with batteries in 2005 and continues to invest in bringing advanced technologies, capacity and technical capabilities to China. Today, Johnson Controls employs tens of thousands of people in China. Johnson Controls is in the process of building a new corporate headquarters in Shanghai, and recently announced that two members of the global executive team will be located in the new headquarters.

At the opening ceremony, Johnson Controls also welcomed representatives from customers and local governments. "We appreciate the support from the Chongqing and Fuling governments, and we look forward to contributing more to the development of the local economy as well as to the local community," said Yeng.

Today also marked the beginning of a one-year community partnership between Johnson Controls China and Fuling Children's Welfare Center. Community involvement in China is a top priority for Johnson Controls. Johnson Controls employees at the Chongqing plant will volunteer throughout the year to help more than 100 orphans living at the center. Johnson Controls will donate furniture, toys and snacks to the center and employees will decorate student dormitories. Members of the Johnson Controls leadership team will also actively support the program with visits to play games and read with the children.

About Johnson Controls:

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; conventional 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 disciplined focus on operational execution, we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2014, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #12 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

About Johnson Controls Power Solutions

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

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SOURCE Johnson Controls