Johnson Controls Teams Up with Mattress Manufacturer Harrison Spinks Ltd to Create the ComfortThin Automotive Seat Concept

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive seating, overhead systems, door and instrument panels, and interior electronics, announced that it has formed a development relationship with luxury mattress manufacturer Harrison Spinks to integrate pocketed coil spring mattress technology into an automotive seat concept called ComfortThin. The thin profile seats replace conventional urethane foam pads with a 100 percent recyclable alternative, and provide a five to 20 percent weight reduction. This technology will be available for 2015 model year vehicles.

"As part of our innovation process, Johnson Controls looks to apply technology from other industries into automotive applications," said Andreas Eppinger, group vice president, technology management for Johnson Controls Automotive Experience. "Leveraging the Harrison Spinks pocketed coil spring mat technology allows us to offer a seating concept with an unrivalled level of support that contours to the vehicle occupant's body for short- and long-term comfort."

"We are delighted to have signed this agreement with the industry leader Johnson Controls so that we can bring this sustainable alternative to traditional foam technology to the automotive industry," said Simon Spinks, Managing Director of Harrison Spinks.

Applicable for first, second and third row seats, the ComfortThin seat provides a dramatically thinner, tailored seat back with up to a 20 percent reduction at the center of the seat and a 35 percent or more reduction in the bolsters. The active seating surface adapts to passengers occupants of all sizes. Each spring unit is able to react independently, further improving seating life while giving occupants the right amount of support when and where it is needed.

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 Automotive Experience:

Johnson Controls is a global leader in automotive seating, overhead systems, door and instrument panels, and interior electronics. We support all major automakers in the differentiation of their vehicles through our products, technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With 240 plants worldwide, we are where our customers need us to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort and style of our products, from single components to complete interiors. With our global capability we supply approximately 50 million cars per year.

About Harrison Spinks:

Founded in 1840, Harrison Spinks encompasses three quality bed brands Harrison, Somnus and Spink & Edgar as well as Harrison Spinks Components with the Spinks Springs brand. The business is run by the Spinks family who has been involved since the 1930s. True to its origins, as well as high end bed and mattress manufacture, Harrison Spinks make high quality comfort pocket springs for sale worldwide through its components business. The high end mattress businesses provides the drive and understanding to develop new comfort technologies which can then be sold into furniture, automotive and other mattress businesses around the world. Harrison Spinks has a long history of innovation in components and spring technology, utilizing patented machinery and design technology.

Harrison Spinks employs 300 people, has 3 factories in Leeds with over 350,000ft(2) for the manufacturing of pocketed springs, a 300 acre farm where it grows natural non-woven materials, such as hemp, flax and wool for mattresses, and a 50 acre wood from which Harrison Spinks plans to incorporate the timber into divan frames as soon as next year. 

SOURCE Johnson Controls