Johnson Controls Recognized as 'Corporation of the Year' for Its Successful Efforts in Diverse Supplier Development
Company's 'Winning' Business Strategy Earns Top Award for 2004 From Tennessee Organization
MILWAUKEE, April 26 -- Officials at Johnson Controls say the company's ongoing work to support diverse businesses is a strategic business imperative that supports the company's mission to exceed customers' expectations. For its outstanding efforts in developing diverse suppliers, Johnson Controls has been recognized as "Corporation of the Year" for 2004 by the Tennessee Minority Supplier Development Council (TMSDC).
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Representatives from TMSDC presented Johnson Controls with the Corporation of the Year Award at the group's 12th Annual Impact Awards Gala dinner on April 8 in Nashville, Tennessee. Chuck Harvey, group vice president of human resources for the Automotive Group of Johnson Controls, accepted the award. The event, attended by more than 600 people, was held at the Sheraton Nashville Hotel.
Johnson Controls -- a major, global manufacturer of automotive interior systems, batteries and building controls -- has operated an innovative program to recruit and develop diverse suppliers since the early 1990s. In fiscal-year 2003, the company purchased $1.07 billion in goods and services from diverse firms.
TMSDC, a voluntary organization with more than 350 members, works to create links between major corporations and minority businesses.
This year marks the second time in which Johnson Controls has gained Corporation of the Year recognition from TMSDC. The company also received the award in 2002.
"Embracing diversity -- and the positive results it generates -- are key elements of our corporate mission, our values and our business strategy," said John Barth, chairman and chief executive officer for Johnson Controls. "We have made strong commitments to diversity and developing a diverse supply base, and we are acting on these commitments."
At the event, TMSDC gave special recognition to individuals and companies for their outstanding support of diverse businesses. Titus Martin, Johnson Controls' supplier diversity manager, also was recognized with a 2004 Corporate Representative of the Year Award, in appreciation for his vision, support, and continued commitment to the growth and development of the TMSDC. Martin was leader of a Project Connect business development mentoring module - - a buying group to mentor diverse vendors and provide focused procurement opportunities and training for corporations.
Here are highlights of Johnson Controls' recent activities and achievements in support of diverse suppliers and minority-owned firms:
The company...
-- Has integrated "diversity business development" as a key component of
its strategic business plan. Purchases from diverse suppliers,
including those owned by minorities and women, are targeted to grow
each year.
-- Requires its vendors to develop and implement their own diversity
business development programs.
-- Has pledged to include diverse suppliers in divestitures, lead
supplier arrangements, joint ventures and strategic alliances.
-- Has created successful partnerships in support of diverse businesses.
For example, Johnson Controls is a joint-venture partner in
Bridgewater Interiors, LLC of Detroit, a minority-owned firm with
contracts to supply complete seat systems for Cadillac, Ford, Lincoln
and Honda cars and trucks.
-- Sponsors educational fellowships for officials from minority-owned
companies. Each year since 1998, Johnson Controls has funded
fellowships that enable executives to attend continuing-education
programs at the graduate business school of Dartmouth College in
Hanover, New Hampshire. Johnson Controls also has funded fellowships
for minority executives at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
-- Convenes trade shows and other events to promote purchases of
goods and services from diverse firms.
-- Implemented standardized internal processes throughout the company for
recruiting, training and using diverse suppliers nationwide.
-- Launched a special mentoring and training process called Project
Connect for corporations and diverse suppliers in the Tennessee area.
Similar processes were created by the company in Michigan, Wisconsin
and South Carolina.
-- Adopted web-based systems to provide business opportunities for
diverse suppliers, measure performance, and promote diversity-oriented
business solutions to customers.
-- Has provided significant support to the leadership and mission of
TMSDC.
"Diversity is a firmly established element of our corporate mission and values at Johnson Controls," said Reginald Layton, the company's director of diversity business development company-wide. "Our diversity supplier development initiative is beneficial not only for us, but also for our customers and suppliers, and the communities in which we do business."
Johnson Controls is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of integrated seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non- residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides control systems and services, including comfort, energy and security management. Johnson Controls , founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (U.S.A.).
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NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos of John Barth and Reginald Layton are available from Debra Lacey at (734) 254-5735. For access to other Johnson Controls news releases and additional company information, visit the company's site on the World Wide Web at http://www.johnsoncontrols.com