Johnson Controls Named 2011 'Corporation of the Year' by Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council

GLENDALE, Wis., Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) has recognized Johnson Controls as 2011 "Corporation of the Year" for its outstanding achievements in developing and working with diverse supplier companies. The company was honored for its excellence and commitment to minority business enterprises and its significant contributions to partnerships with minority businesses in all procurement processes.

Johnson Controls has received this recognition from the MMSDC in 12 of the past 16 years. The MMSDC recently presented Johnson Controls with the award at its 28th annual awards dinner, "Celebrating the Stars of Supplier Diversity," in Detroit. The event, which was attended by more than 1,500 people, was held at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra/Max Fisher Center in Detroit, Mich. Jim Bos, vice president, purchasing, for Johnson Controls' Automotive Experience business, and Al Louis, manager, supplier diversity for Johnson Controls Automotive Experience, accepted the award. The MMSDC also recognized Jonathan Pratt, senior buyer at Johnson Controls, as its 2011 "Corporate National Buyer of the Year."

"Diversity is an important part of Johnson Controls' corporate mission and values," said Chuck Harvey, vice president, diversity and public affairs for Johnson Controls. "Being honored by the MMSDC means that we are putting our values to work every day, while also bringing great benefits to the local community."

Johnson Controls has operated an innovative program to recruit and develop diverse suppliers since the early 1990s. The company is a member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable, which includes just 18 companies that spend $1 billion (U.S.) annually with diverse suppliers, covering more than 50 purchasing categories.

The Corporation of the Year award honors companies that actively include certified minority business enterprises (MBEs) 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. Johnson Controls spent $1.15 billion with diverse-owned corporations in 2010 and is on track to exceed that amount this year.

MMSDC, a voluntary organization with more than 1,700 members, creates links between major corporations and minority businesses.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 154,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2011, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #1 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

SOURCE Johnson Controls

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