PLYMOUTH, Mich. (October 19, 2015) – Johnson Controls has been recognized as a 2015 “Corporation of the Year” by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) for its achievements in developing and working with diverse supplier companies.

Johnson Controls was honored for its excellence and commitment to minority business enterprises and its significant contributions to partnerships with minority businesses in all procurement processes. The company was honored in the manufacturing sector.

This year marks the 16th time in the past 20 years that Johnson Controls was recognized by the MMSDC. The organization’s representatives presented Johnson Controls with the award at its 32nd Annual Awards ceremony.

”Fostering diversity is an important part of Johnson Controls’ corporate values,” said Byron Foster, group vice president and general manager, Complete Seat for Johnson Controls Automotive Seating, who accepted the award. “Being honored by the MMSDC means that we are living our values and bringing benefits to the communities we serve.”

Johnson Controls has operated an innovative program to recruit and develop diverse suppliers since the early 1990s. The company is a member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable that includes just 21 companies that spend $1 billion (U.S.) annually with diverse suppliers in more than 50 purchasing categories.

The Corporation of the Year Award honors corporations that actively include certified minority business enterprises suppliers in their procurement opportunities; assist in the development of minority suppliers; and promote supplier diversity and business development within their corporation and to their vendors and other businesses and organizations. Johnson Controls spent $1.7 billion with diverse-owned corporations in 2014.

MMSDC, a voluntary organization with more than 400 corporate members, creates links between corporations and minority businesses.

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About Johnson Controls:
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 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 seating components and 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 2015, 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 or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.

Johnson Controls Automotive Experience
Johnson Controls Automotive Experience is a global leader in automotive seating components and systems. The company supports all major automakers in the differentiation of their vehicles through its products, technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With more than 200 locations worldwide, Johnson Controls is where its customers need it to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort and style of Johnson Controls products, from single components to complete seat systems. With its global capability the company supplies more than 50 million cars per year. Follow us on Twitter @JCseating.

CONTACT:  Mary Kay Dodero
Mary.kay.dodero@jci.com

734-254-7704