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Johnson Controls Appoints Paul Van Hoof GM Optima(R) Batteries

    MILWAUKEE, Aug. 29 Global battery supplier Johnson Controls, Inc. has named Paul
Van Hoof general manager of OPTIMA(R) batteries.  In his new position, Van
Hoof is responsible for leading the growth of Johnson Controls OPTIMA
batteries in the automotive, marine and industrial markets.
    
    "Van Hoof's appointment as general manager of OPTIMA batteries supports
our commitment to strengthening the OPTIMA brand and leveraging opportunities
for growth," said Keith Wandell, president of the Johnson Controls battery
business.

    Since 1997, Van Hoof has served as controller and participated on the
executive management team for the Johnson Controls battery business.  Van Hoof
joined Johnson Controls in 1991 and spent six years in the company's
automotive seating and interiors business, serving as controller of Automotive
Systems Group Accounting and as Foam Business Unit controller.  Prior to
working at Johnson Controls, Van Hoof spent a number of years at the
accounting and consulting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

    Van Hoof holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and business
administration from Carroll College in Milwaukee.  He also attended the
University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.

    Featuring a patented design that was originally developed for use by NASA,
OPTIMA SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY(R) batteries replace conventional flat lead
plates with six rolls of high purity lead plates, individually separated by
tightly wound, woven glass.  Each of the six OPTIMA battery cells is encased
in separate cylinders within the plastic battery case, forming a sealed,
closed system that resembles a six-pack of canned beverages.  The sturdy
construction minimizes internal short circuits that can cause premature
battery failure.

    Dedicated to investing in new product and process technology that brings
value to its customers, Johnson Controls provides batteries for automotive,
marine, lawn and garden, commercial, truck/van/SUV, motorcycle, wheelchair and
golf cart use.