Johnson Controls reaches major construction and hiring milestones at state-of-the-art Florence Recycling Center

MILWAUKEE, April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls, Inc., the world's leading supplier of automotive batteries and a recognized leader in automotive battery recycling around the world, is on track to begin production at its fully integrated automotive battery recycling center in Florence, S.C., this summer after reaching several significant milestones in construction and hiring.  The Florence Recycling Center, which will serve customers' needs in the growing mid-Atlantic region, is the first U.S. facility of its kind to be constructed in nearly 20 years.

"More than 97-percent of all automotive lead-acid batteries in the United States are recycled, making them the most recycled post-consumer product nationwide," said Mike Carr, vice president and general manager of Johnson Controls Power Solutions' North American business. "We are proud to have helped develop the closed-loop recycling process, one of the best recycling success stories in the world."

At full capacity, the center will create an estimated 250 new jobs and approximately 1,000 indirect jobs in the area. To date, the company has hired 75 employees in both salaried and production positions, with several of the production employees in training at another world-class Johnson Controls recycling facility.

"All of our employees participate in a comprehensive on-boarding and orientation program with strong emphasis on safety excellence. We are committed to the health, safety, engagement, and growth of all our employees," Carr said.

All major equipment has now arrived on site at the Florence Recycling Center. The state-of-the-art equipment will support the recycling operations within the company's closed-loop recycling process, which entails movingnew batteries from its manufacturing facilities to retailers and distributors, where Johnson Controls picks up used batteries, recycles them, and uses the recycled materials again in manufacturing.  

"This facility features some of the most advanced and proven environmental control technology. It will enable us to continue to responsibly recycle our customers' used batteries, while maintaining a reliable source of raw material to support battery production," said Carr.

Construction at the Florence Recycling Center is almost complete. The manufacturing portion of the facility is fully enclosed and undergoing final touches.

Johnson Controls plans to apply for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification of the facility, which includes geothermal heating and cooling, green roofs, water reuse and recycling, and natural lighting systems. The company is also integrating the center peacefully into the surrounding area by managing habitat for wildlife, participating in the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Stewardship Program and ensuring storm water management.

Johnson Controls broke ground on the $150 million Florence Recycling Center in 2011 after receiving an air permit from South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). It follows a thorough and collaborative process involving local and national environmental groups including the Coastal Conservation League (CCL) and the League of Women Voters of South Carolina (LWVSC), along with local community members.

To learn more about the Florence County Recycling Center, visit www.florencerecyclingcenter.com.

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. In 2011, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #1 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 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