Partnership between Johnson Controls and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee earns 2013 Gold Edison Award for innovation

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May 03, 2013, 12:06 ET

MILWAUKEE, May 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls, a global diversified company in the building and automotive industries, is a 2013 Gold Award Winner by the internationally renowned Edison Awards for its recent groundbreaking collaboration with the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee (UWM). This distinguished award symbolizes the persistence and excellence personified by Thomas Alva Edison, inspiring creative minds to remain in the forefront of innovation, creativity and ingenuity in the global economy.

"This is an honor for Johnson Controls and the work we are doing in the area of energy storage," said MaryAnn Wright, vice president, Technology & Innovation for Johnson Controls Power Solutions. "The work we are doing in this lab demonstrates our commitment to being the industry leader. Our partnership with UWM will help transform the campus and the City of Milwaukee," said Wright.

Johnson Controls was presented with the gold award in the Living, Working and Learning Environments Category for its Energy Advancement and Research Lab and Showcase on the UWM campus.

"The Gold Edison Award is a terrific validation of the Johnson Controls-UWM partnership," said Chancellor Michael R. Lovell, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. "We already knew the partnership was making a positive difference for our faculty, staff and students, and now we have significant external recognition as well."

The Edison Awards have recognized and honored some of the most innovative products and business leaders in America and is among the most prestigious accolades honoring excellence in new product and service development, marketing, design and innovation.

The Energy Advancement Research Lab creates an environment for Johnson Controls scientists to work with UWM students and faculty in dedicated space to conduct research, enhance the university's advanced energy curriculum and accelerate Johnson Controls' exploration and development of innovative, next generation energy storage technologies. The advanced manufacturing dry lab is the only one of its kind on a university campus in North America. It enables "fast fail" experimentation to accelerate the development and commercialization of advanced energy storage technologies. "Fast fail" experimentation allows us to move quickly and deliberately to deliver against anticipated project outcomes and the ability to stop if the outcomes are not met within a certain timeframe.

Johnson Controls is a global leader in the development of new energy technologies such as advanced batteries for Start-Stop, hybrid and electric vehicles. It is the first company in the world to produce lithium-ion batteries for mass-production hybrid vehicles.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 168,000 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 2013, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #14 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.