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Johnson Controls To Supply Sears DieHard Gold

10 June 1997

Johnson Controls To Supply Sears DieHard Gold

     MILWAUKEE, June 10 -- Johnson Controls, Inc. has
been awarded a three-year contract to manufacture DieHard Gold(R) brand
batteries for Sears, Roebuck and Co. (NYSE: S)  DieHard Gold is Sears' top of
the line battery offering consumers premium performance and long life.  It is
sold in Sears Auto Centers, Sears Hardware and dealer stores, NTB National
Tire & Battery stores, as well as Sears Western Auto and Parts America stores.
     Johnson Controls was awarded the contract following an evaluation of
potential suppliers.  The effective date of the new contract is Oct. 1, 1997.
     In June 1996, Johnson Controls was named the sole supplier of "Tough One"
automotive batteries to Western Auto and Parts America stores, which are
wholly owned by Sears, Roebuck and Co.  From 1967 to 1994, Johnson Controls
was the sole supplier of the DieHard battery to Sears.
     "This multi-year agreement involving the DieHard Gold is a result of our
on-going commitment to leadership in quality, service and technology," said
Michael F. Johnston, vice president of the Johnson Controls automotive systems
group.
     "We are very excited to further our relationship with this outstanding
retail organization, and through our commitment to technology, help strengthen
the image of DieHard Gold," said Keith E. Wandell, vice president and general
manager of Johnson Controls battery business.
     Since 1994, Johnson Controls has transformed its battery business through
major improvements in quality and productivity which enabled it to reduce its
number of manufacturing plants while increasing capacity.  These cost
improvements, coupled with new proprietary battery technologies, have enabled
Johnson Controls to attract new customers and increase its North American
market share.  The additional Sears volume will strengthen Johnson Controls
position as the largest automotive battery supplier in North America.
     Johnson Controls is a global market leader in automotive systems and
building controls.  Through its Automotive Systems Group, it supplies seating
systems, interior systems and batteries.  The Controls Group serves the
nonresidential buildings market with control systems and services, and
integrated facility management.  Founded in 1885, it operates from more than
500 locations worldwide.  Johnson Controls (JCI) securities are listed on the
New York Stock Exchange.

SOURCE  Johnson Controls