Johnson Controls recognized by Toyota for outstanding performance

Johnson Controls and its Intertec Systems joint venture were honored as one of Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc.'s top suppliers during the company's annual business meeting and awards ceremony on March 3. The company received an award for outstanding performance, which means that it has exceeded Toyota's expectations in launch performance, technology, supplier diversity, value improvement and quality.

"This is important recognition from Toyota, and it truly is an outstanding tribute to the dedicated people working at our facilities, as well as those of our suppliers," says Beda Bolzenius, president of Automotive Experience business for Johnson Controls. "We look forward to continued success with Toyota in the future."

Johnson Controls and its Intertec Systems joint venture gained three awards from Toyota for outstanding performance during 2007. The Troy, Mich.-based Intertec Systems is a joint venture between Johnson Controls and Inoac Corporation of Nagoya, Japan. The company, which was founded in 1996, is a leading provider of vehicle instrument panels, instrument panel trim components and floor consoles to major automakers in North America.

At the event, Johnson Controls gained a Superior Award in the Supplier Diversity category. It was the fourth consecutive year the company has received this recognition. Toyota's presentation of awards in the area of Supplier Diversity recognized supply companies' initiatives and outstanding efforts that helped the automaker meet its minority procurement targets. Johnson Controls supplies a variety of products for Toyota vehicles, including seats, interior trim, electronics and batteries.

In addition, Johnson Controls' Livermore, Calif. seat-manufacturing plant was recognized by Toyota with an Excellent Award in the Quality category. The facility supplies seats, and overhead consoles to the automaker.

Toyota also honored the Intertec Systems interior parts-manufacturing plant in San Leandro, Calif. with an Excellent Award in the Quality category. Intertec manufactures floor consoles and instrument panel trim for Toyota models.

Among the performance measures that enabled Johnson Controls and its affiliate to receive recognition from Toyota was meeting the automaker's highest standards for quality; supplier diversity; and overall excellence for work done during 2007, in supplying various automotive seating and interior products.

"TEMA works closely with our North American suppliers in order to build our top quality vehicles; therefore, we take this opportunity to recognize outstanding performance of our top suppliers," says Atsushi "Art"; Kume, senior vice president of TEMA. "Suppliers' commitment to continuous improvement is key to achieving Toyota's long term focus on quality and value."

For additional information about Johnson Controls, visit the company's Web site.