Johnson Controls Again Is Recognized With Top Award From Organization for Development of Diverse Suppliers

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Oct. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- For its outstanding achievements in developing diverse supplier companies, Johnson Controls was named 2006 "Corporation of the Year" by the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC).

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This year marks the ninth time in the past 11 years in which Johnson Controls has gained this honor. MMBDC representatives presented Johnson Controls with the award at the group's 23rd Annual Awards Dinner on October 4. The event was attended by more than 3,000 people, and was held at the Marriott Hotel at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. Michael Bartschat, group vice president, purchasing and supply chain logistics for Johnson Controls, accepted the award.

Johnson Controls -- a global, diversified conglomerate -- has operated an innovative program to recruit and develop diverse suppliers since the early 1990s. In fiscal-year 2005, it purchased $1.02 billion in goods and services from diverse firms, making it a member of the "Billion Dollar Roundtable" that includes just 14 companies that spend $1 billion annually with diverse suppliers.

MMBDC, a voluntary organization with more than 2,000 members, creates links between major corporations and minority businesses.

"Johnson Controls embraces diversity because it is a key element of our corporate mission, our values and our business strategy," said Keith Wandell, president and chief operating officer of Johnson Controls. "We are pleased to again receive this honor, which salutes the outstanding efforts of our purchasing team, supply base and business partners."

The Corporation of the Year recognition earned by Johnson Controls was for companies in the Manufacturing Sector of MMBDC. It is presented to firms that actively include certified minority suppliers in their procurement opportunities; assist in the development of minority suppliers; and promote supplier diversity and business development within their corporation and to their vendors and other businesses and organizations.

Ed Oliveras, senior buyer at Johnson Controls, was selected as a finalist for the MMBDC's 2006 Buyer of the Year category.

Within the Diversity Business Development model at Johnson Controls, "diverse" suppliers include companies that are owned by minorities, women or veterans -- and those designated by government agencies as small businesses or disadvantaged businesses.

Here are highlights of Johnson Controls' recent activities and achievements in support of diverse suppliers and minority-owned firms.

The company... -- Integrates "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. -- Pledges to include diverse suppliers in divestitures, lead supplier arrangements, joint ventures and strategic alliances. -- Creates 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 four major auto manufacturers. -- 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 Tuck 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 for corporations and diverse suppliers in Michigan, Wisconsin, Tennessee 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 MMBDC.

Johnson Controls is a global leader in interior experience, building efficiency and power solutions. The company provides innovative automotive interiors that help make driving more comfortable, safe and enjoyable. For buildings, it offers products and services that optimize energy use and improve comfort and security. Johnson Controls also provides batteries for automobiles and hybrid electric vehicles, along with systems engineering and service expertise. Johnson Controls has 136,000 employees in more than 1,000 locations serving customers in 125 countries. Founded in 1885, the company is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/ .