Johnson Controls Plans Further Production Expansion in China

FRANKFURT, Germany, September 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Presence in China will get stronger with 11 new production facilities

Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive seating, seating components, automotive electronics, and interiors, will expand in China: After 16 years of continuous growth, Johnson Controls Automotive Experience plans to increase its number of production locations from 57 to 68 in China over the next few years.

"We are focusing on innovative complete interior solutions in China that anticipate market needs and meet customer expectations in terms of differentiation, comfort, safety, and sustainability," said Johannes Roters, group vice president and general manager China, Johnson Controls Automotive Experience. "This will enable us to help our customers increase their market share in China and achieve economic success. Out of all international suppliers, our company has the strongest presence in China and has a comprehensive product portfolio with vertical integration and efficient processes. In addition, we are the industry leader in industrial design and development."

Thanks to strategic partnerships with Chinese partners, Johnson Controls Automotive Experience is very well positioned in the growth market of China, recording sales of approximately US $4.6 billion in 2012 and employing nearly 25,000 people (including joint ventures) in the country.

Since beginning operations in China in 1997, the company has continuously expanded its activities in the country. Johnson Controls Automotive Experience is now engaged in 32 joint ventures with 24 strategic partners. The company operates 57 production plants in 27 cities in China, a number that is expected to increase to 68 over the next few years.

The automotive supplier is highly vertically integrated in China. Besides its extensive manufacturing footprint, Johnson Controls operates ten engineering sites in eight Chinese cities. With more than 1,150 engineers and 44 designers, the company has established expert capabilities in design, development, engineering, and product safety testing.

Over the last 16 years, Johnson Controls' two biggest Chinese joint ventures - Shanghai Yanfeng Johnson Controls Seating Co., Ltd. (YFJC) and Changchun FAWAY-Johnson Controls Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (FJC) have become fully fledged technology providers. Both supply customers with products characterized by their high-quality design, superior craftsmanship and innovative engineering solutions. Reliable quality assurance and production processes complete the range of services.

Johnson Controls supports the growth of both local and international automakers in China. The company locally supplies comprehensive interior solutions, including design, development, and production. It also offers products and solutions from its global production network in Chinese locations.

Johnson Controls will present its innovations from Sept. 12-22, 2013, at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany, in Hall 5.1, Booth B28.

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Facts and figures about Johnson Controls Automotive Experience in China

    In China since                   1997

    China headquarters               9th Floor, Building B
                                     SOHO Zhongshan Plaza
                                     1065 West Zhongshan Road
                                     Shanghai 200051, China
    Group vice president and general
    manager China
                                     Johannes Roters


    Sales (fiscal year 2012)
    Employees (including joint
    ventures)                        US $4.6 billion


    Manufacturing sites today        25,000

    Planned manufacturing sites in   57
    the future

    Engineering sites                68
                                     10 sites in 8 cities: Shanghai
                                     (3 sites), Changchun, Beijing,
                                     Shenyang, Guangzhou, Chongqing,
                                     Kunshan, Wuhu
                                     More than 1,150

    Engineers                        44

    Designers                        Design, development,
    Capabilities                     engineering, prototype, testing
                                     for automotive seating,
                                     interiors, and electronics
                                     products.     Joint ventures                  32 (with a total of 24 strategic
                                     partners)

     Biggest joint ventures          Shanghai Yanfeng Johnson
                                     Controls Seating Co., Ltd.
                                     (YFJC)
                                     logical implication manufactures
                                     complete seat systems and
                                     components, as well as overhead
                                     solutions

                                     Changchun FAWAY-Johnson Controls
                                     Automotive Systems Co., Ltd.
                                     (FJC)
                                     logical implication manufactures
                                     complete seat systems and
                                     components, as well as total
                                     interiors products

      Products                       Complete seat systems
      Automotive Seating             Seating components (metal
      Automotive Interiors           structures, mechanisms, foam,
                                     fabrics, trim)

                                     Instrument panels

                                     Floor consoles

                                     Door panels

                                     Headliners

                                     Overhead systems

      Automotive Electronics         Overhead consoles

                                     Sun visors

                                     Integrated interiors

                                     Driver information

                                     Infotainment and connectivity

                                     Body electronics

      Customers                      All major international and
                                     national automakers present in China

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.

About Johnson Controls Automotive Experience
Johnson Controls Automotive Experience 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 more than 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 more than 50 million cars per year.

For more information, please contact:
Johnson Controls GmbH
Automotive Seating
Industriestrasse 20-30
51399 Burscheid, Germany

Ulrich Andree
Tel.: +49-2174-65-4343
E-mail: ulrich.andree@jci.com

Oliver Herkert
Tel.: +49-2174-65-4348
E-mail: oliver.herkert@jci.com

Johnson Controls Interiors Management GmbH
Automotive Electronics & Interiors
Jagenbergstrasse 1
41468 Neuss, Germany

Astrid Schafmeister
Tel.: +49-2131-609-3028
E-mail: astrid.schafmeister@jci.com
Internet: http://www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter: @JCseating