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In recent times, the automotive industry has taken enormous strides
in sustainability. Such progress could not have been made without
support from the entire auto supply chain. Not surprisingly, then,
General Motors (GM) recently recognized Johnson Controls, Inc.
with GM’s first-ever Environmental Excellence Award during
a special recognition event at the 2006 North American International
Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit earlier this year.
“
GM has taken great strides to improve the environmental impact
of its products and operations, and we will continue to do so,” said
Elizabeth A. Lowery, GM’s vice president, environment and
energy. “Beyond our own operations, we feel a responsibility
as the world’s largest automaker to encourage the entire
auto supply chain to do the same, so we’re happy to recognize
Johnson Controls, Inc. as a leader in this effort.”
Johnson Controls has been a long-standing supplier to GM and an
exceptional supporter of GM’s environmental goals and initiatives.
The company has exhibited innovation and intense determination
to improve its own practices and processes to help benefit the
performance of the overall auto supply chain. In fact, Johnson
Controls is one of a small group of suppliers involved in an initiative
with GM, the World Environment Center and the Society of Automotive
Engineers China to help “green” China’s auto
supply chain. The pilot program, launched in 2005, is focused on
helping suppliers develop and implement “clean production” practices
that help to reduce environmental impacts and also lower suppliers’ operating
costs.
In the United States, Johnson Controls led the development of an
initiative to promote recycling of lead-acid batteries. Today,
the batteries that Johnson Controls supplies to GM are made of
70- to 80-percent recycled lead and plastic. Overall, this is the
leading recycled consumer product with a recycling rate of more
than 97 percent. To put that in perspective, aluminum cans are
recycled at a rate of 55 percent.
Ingenuity In Manufacturing
In 2005, Johnson Controls launched the production of door panels
for GM’s Chevrolet Impala using a method that eliminates
the need for adhesives and additional wrapping operations. GM and
Johnson Controls are both members of the Suppliers Partnership
for the Environment program, a forum co-founded by GM, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and several auto suppliers,
that is aimed at improving the environmental performance of the
auto industry supply chain. Johnson Controls and Saft, a manufacturer
of high-tech batteries, recently launched their new joint venture,
to supply advanced-technology batteries for current- and future-generation
hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). The
official start-up of the new joint venture was announced at the
2006 NAIAS.
The new joint venture is, on an exclusive basis, involved worldwide
in the development, production and sale of nickel-metal-hydride
and lithium-ion batteries for HEVs and EVs. Johnson Controls and
Saft are combining their development teams within existing locations,
and plan to develop state-of-the-art manufacturing sites based
on market demand. The companies are also combining their sales
and marketing resources in order to address this fast-growing market.
An expanding global market for HEVs has begun to emerge, driven
by consumer concerns about rising gasoline prices, as well as growing
public interest in low-emissions vehicles.
Current-generation HEVs rely on nickel-metal-hydride batteries.
Within the next several years, lithium-ion batteries are likely
to become the preferred choice for HEVs, because they offer key
advantages in size, weight and power-storage capacity. The new
Johnson Controls-Saft joint venture will give global automakers
new sourcing options and production capabilities for a full range
of EV and HEV battery solutions.
“
This new organization represents a significant step forward for
our companies and the automotive industry overall,” said
Gregg Sherrill, group vice president and general manager of Johnson
Controls. “Together, we will accelerate our participation
in the HEV market, and drive to develop, commercialize and supply
innovative power-storage technologies for environmentally friendly
vehicles. Saft’s proven expertise in high-performance, advanced
battery technologies complements our great strengths at Johnson
Controls, which include high-volume production capabilities and
outstanding knowledge of the global car industry.”
Recognizing The Entire Supply Chain
Johnson Controls shared the credit by recognizing its own 32 top-performing
automotive suppliers at a celebration event held recently. Thirty-four
awards were presented to supply companies that have shown exceptional
performance, leadership and innovation in their work during the
past year for the interior experience business of Johnson Controls.
“These awards are designed to honor the innovation, commitment and outstanding
work completed during the past year by the top companies in our supply base,” said
Terry Nadeau, vice president and general manager of North American Purchasing
for Johnson Controls. “It’s very important for us to recognize suppliers
who have helped Johnson Controls to exceed our customers’ expectations.” Johnson
Controls’ Supplier Performance Awards are presented annually for performance
encompassing four key business areas: quality; commercial; material and logistics;
and service and engineering support. Outstanding performance by the company’s
supply base is recognized on three levels—gold, silver and bronze.
During the Supplier Performance Awards event, Johnson Controls officials also
presented four value-based leadership awards for 2006—including the Community
Partnership Award, the Innovation Leadership Award, the Minority Business Development
Leadership Award and the Strategic Collaboration Leadership Award. RCO Engineering
of Roseville, Mich., was honored with the Community Partnership Award. This award
recognizes the company that has worked in partnership most often with Johnson
Controls to serve and support the local community. The Innovation Leadership
Award was presented to Bayer Material Science of Auburn Hills, Mich., for exemplary
leadership in working with Johnson Controls to bring product innovation to the
market. |
