Johnson Controls to Hold Conference In Support of Minority Supplier Development
14 July 1997
Johnson Controls to Hold Conference In Support of Minority Supplier Development
Automotive seating and interior supplier
aims to link minority and non-minority firms
PLYMOUTH, Mich., July 14 -- Automotive seating and interior
supplier Johnson Controls will hold an important event tomorrow to
help minority suppliers grow their businesses. Called the "Shop Talk
Conference and Trade Show," it will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (July 15,
1997) at Johnson Controls' technology center in Plymouth. The purpose of the
conference is to encourage business relationships between minority-owned
suppliers to Johnson Controls and other vendors that conduct business with the
company.
Executives from more than 125 of Johnson Controls' top suppliers --
representing both minority-owned businesses and other companies -- are
expected to attend. Approximately 25 minority companies will display their
trade show exhibits, as they aim to develop new ties with other Johnson
Controls suppliers. The theme for the event is "Synergy: The Catalyst for
Growth."
Participants will hear from a number of presenters who will cover topics
ranging from Johnson Controls' supplier expectations and strategies -- to the
value of creating strategic partnerships, joint ventures or other business
relationships.
"We want to foster linkages -- effective synergies -- among our suppliers,
and especially between the minority and non-minority companies that serve us,"
said Chip McClure, president, North America and South America for the
Automotive Systems Group of Johnson Controls. "The conference also is designed
to enhance our efforts in working more closely with minority suppliers."
Johnson Controls adopted a formal minority business development plan
several years ago -- setting a goal to buy at least 5 percent of annual total
purchased goods and services from qualified vendors. The supplier has been
actively developing and recruiting minority firms -- and now the company seeks
to have its suppliers establish similar initiatives of their own.
Last year, Johnson Controls purchased $36 million in goods and services
from minority firms. That figure is expected to grow to $86 million in 1997.
By 1998, according to Johnson Controls officials, the company's minority
purchases will increase to $110 million.
Among the largest automotive suppliers, Johnson Controls has been cited as
an industry leader in supporting minority-owned businesses. Last September,
the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) named Johnson
Controls "Corporation of the Year" -- in recognition of the company's
outstanding performance in assisting and doing business with minority-owned
firms. John Barth, executive vice president for Johnson Controls, currently
serves as MMBDC's vice chairman.
In recent years, Johnson Controls established strong business
relationships with many minority firms, including Bing Manufacturing,
Plastech, and Bayport Manufacturing. In 1996, the company formed a joint
venture with Chivas Products -- called Renaissance Interior Systems -- to
supply interior components to General Motors beginning in 1999.
In addition to its purchasing initiatives, Johnson Controls has provided a
wide range of support services to its minority suppliers. These companies have
been given assistance in business plan development, facility needs assessment,
minority certification, staffing, cost analysis and employee training.
Johnson Controls, Inc., with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a
global market leader in automotive systems and building controls. Through its
Automotive Systems Group, it designs and produces seating and interior systems
for automakers worldwide, and batteries for the global original equipment and
replacement markets. The Controls Group serves the non-residential buildings
market with control systems and services, and integrated facility management.
Founded in 1885, Johnson Controls operates in more than 500 locations around
the world. Johnson Controls securities are listed on the New York Stock
Exchange (NYSE) with the trading symbol "JCI."
The Automotive Systems Group of Johnson Controls is the world's largest
supplier of vehicle seating and interior systems, and is a major supplier of
batteries. In 1997, the company's worldwide operations will supply interior
products for approximately 20 million vehicles. The Automotive Systems Group
employs more than 44,000 people at 151 facilities worldwide and achieved $6.3
billion in sales for the 1996 fiscal year. During the same period, Johnson
Controls, Inc. (all divisions) recorded sales of $10 billion.
SOURCE Johnson Controls, Inc.