Johnson Controls to build 4th automotive battery plant in China
MILWAUKEE, June 9, 2016 -- Johnson Controls is forming a joint venture with Binzhou Bohai Piston Co., Ltd., an auto parts affiliate of Beijing Automotive Industry Group Co., Ltd. (BAIC Group), to build its fourth Chinese automotive battery manufacturing plant. Aimed at serving both automakers and aftermarket customers, the facility will be located in Binzhou, Shandong Province.
"We understand China market dynamics, consumer demands and both short and long-term energy storage technology needs," said Joe Walicki, president, Johnson Controls Power Solutions. "This joint venture is a strategic move to position Johnson Controls and Bohai Piston to take advantage of what will be the world's largest automotive battery market by 2020."
At full capacity, the more than $200 million USD plant will employ 650 people who will manufacture both conventional flooded and absorbent glass mat (AGM) battery technologies. AGM powers start-stop systems, which increase vehicle fuel efficiency up to 5 percent, helping automakers meet increasingly strict environmental regulations.
"In the China market there is strong demand for auto part technologies that can improve fuel efficiency and there will be rapid growth for AGM batteries in start-stop vehicles," said Han Yonggui, BAIC Group director and chairman of Beijing Hainachuan Automotive Parts Co., Ltd. (BHAP). "The new joint venture will position both companies to take advantage of this market opportunity and we believe our cooperation with Johnson Controls, the global automotive battery leader, will help promote leading products and technologies in China."
By 2020, 50 percent, or about 15 million new vehicles will be equipped with start-stop functionality in China, saving an estimated 1.2 billion liters of gasoline per year. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 2.8 million metric tons per year.
"With the combination of Johnson Controls leading technologies, large market demand from BAIC Group members and from the aftermarket, as well as favorable investment conditions in Binzhou, we believe the joint venture will be a great success," said Lin Fenghua, chairman of Binzhou Bohai Piston Co., Ltd.
"Our technology and battery capabilities, combined with the Bohai Piston growth platform and favorable Binzhou location, is a real winning combination," said Kenneth Yeng, vice president and general manager, Johnson Controls Power Solutions China.
Construction of the state-of-the-art facility is expected to begin in 2017, with production starting two years later. Once up and running, the plant will be able to produce 7.5 million batteries per year.
"Johnson Controls remains committed to serving our customers wherever they are in the world with investments such as this manufacturing plant and joint venture, which brings our leading technologies and global best practices to China," said Trent Nevill, president, Johnson Controls Asia Pacific.
Approximately 23.5 million new vehicles were produced in China in 2015, making it the world's largest automotive market. In 2015, Johnson Controls announced it signed an agreement to build a new battery manufacturing facility in Shenyang, China. It is expected to start operations in 2018. The company also has battery plants in Chongqing and Changxing, and an energy storage research and development center in Shanghai.
For images of the signing ceremony, as well as AGM battery technology, please click here.
About Johnson Controls:
Johnson Controls is a global
diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than
150 countries. Our 150,000 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 2016,
Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the
#17company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional
information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us
@johnsoncontrols on Twitter
About Johnson Controls Power Solutions
Johnson Controls
Power Solutions is the world's largest manufacturer of automotive
batteries, supplying approximately 146 million every year to automakers and
aftermarket retailers. Our full range of lead-acid and lithium-ion battery
technology powers nearly every type of vehicle for our customers- including
traditional, start-stop, micro-hybrid, hybrid and electric. Johnson
Controls' recycling system has helped make automotive batteries the most
recycled consumer product in the world. Globally, 15,000 employees develop,
manufacture, distribute and recycle batteries at more than 50
locations.
About BAIC
Founded in 1958, BAIC Group covers a wide range
of businesses from vehicle manufacturing, research and development, auto
parts manufacturing, automobile service and trade, to general aviation
investment and financing. It has automotive manufacturing joint ventures
with Hyundai, Mercedes Benz, and a number of
self-owned brands like BEIJING, Senova,
Changhe Auto and Foton.
About Bohai Piston
Shandong Binzhou Bohai Piston Co., Ltd.
(Bohai Piston hereinafter) located in Binzhou, Shandong province, is the biggest Piston
Manufacturer in China and among the top 4
piston suppliers worldwide. In June of 2015, state-owned shares were
transferred to BAIC Group and in 2016, Bohai Piston became a shareholder of
BJEV.
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CONTACT: |
Gretchen Miller |
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1-414-630-6723 |
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gretchen.a.miller@jci.com |
SOURCE Johnson Controls
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