Johnson Controls opens new battery plant in China

Johnson Controls has expanded its presence in China with the opening of a new automotive battery manufacturing plant that will produce 6 million automotive batteries per year in the world’s largest new vehicle market, a market where 22 million new vehicles are produced annually. The company’s new 133,000 square metre facility in Chongqing City reflects an investment of US$154 million, and is expected to create more than 500 jobs when it reaches full capacity.

“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.”

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 and is in the process of building a new corporate headquarters in Shanghai. The company recently announced that two members of its global executive team will be located in the new headquarters.

At the new plant’s 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.

The plant’s opening ceremony also marked the beginning of a one-year community partnership between Johnson Controls China and Fuling Children’s Welfare Center. Johnson Controls describes community involvement in China as a “top priority”, and its employees at the Chongqing plant will volunteer throughout the year to help more than 100 orphans living at the centre. Johnson Controls will donate furniture, toys and snacks to the centre and employees will decorate student dormitories. Members of the Johnson Controls leadership team will also actively support the programme with visits to play games and read with the children.