Governor Perdue, Johnson Controls Celebrate Grand Opening in West Point

Top-tier Kia supplier creating 300 jobs in Harris County

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue joined with executives from Johnson Controls and a host of local officials today to celebrate the official grand opening of Johnson Controls’ West Point plant. Johnson Controls is a global leader in automotive seating, door and instrument panels, and interior electronics. As a leading supplier for Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, the Johnson Controls West Point facility will manufacture seats and door panels for the Kia Sorento. This company location was initially announced in 2008, and currently employs approximately 300 workers.

“I am pleased to officially welcome Johnson Controls to Georgia,” said Governor Perdue. “The 300 jobs here at Johnson Controls are part of the more than 3,600 jobs Kia suppliers have created in West Georgia. Georgia continues to foster a competitive business environment that makes growth opportunities a reality for industry-leading manufacturers like Johnson Controls.”

The Milwaukee-based company occupies a 127,000-square-foot plant in West Point near the Kia Motors assembly plant, and ships products to the Kia facility on a just-in-time basis. The plant receives 50 percent of its energy from renewable sources including hydro, biomass, solar and wind. Compared to traditional energy, these renewable energy sources will save the emission of nearly 7,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide over the next six years, which is the equivalent of planning nearly 200,000 trees.

“Johnson Controls is pleased to support our customer Kia in West Point and bring new jobs to the community,” said Jeff Williams, group vice president and general manager for the Automotive Experience business of Johnson Controls. “We appreciate all of the support we have received from the state of Georgia, the local community and the Valley Partnership in establishing this new plant.”

The Johnson Controls West Point plant is located in the Northwest Harris Business Park in Harris County.

“We are proud to welcome a strong automotive company like Johnson Controls to Harris County,” said Harry Lange, Harris County Commission Chairman. “I know they will provide terrific opportunities for our citizens, and I look forward to their continued success in our area.”

Mark Lytle and Yoonie Kim, project managers with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, assisted the company with its location.

About Johnson Controls Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in over 150 countries. Our 130,000 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.
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