Johnson Controls will open second global HQ, in Shanghai
Canadian Plastics
Automotive Johnson ControlsU.S.-based-Johnson Controls Inc. has announced plans to open a second global headquarters, in Shanghai, China.
The new headquarters will open in 2017, and is intended to “fuel growth opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region”, Johnson Controls said in a statement – particularly in the automotive sector.
“As the largest automotive and buildings market in the world, China is the primary market of expansion for Johnson Controls,” the statement said. “”While we already have the facilities and extensive relationships to serve the automotive market in China, we will continue to add manufacturing capacity and expand our operational footprint across our businesses as market demand grows.”
Johnson Controls is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis.
“Our investments allow us to reach all parts of China and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole and provide fast, efficient and localized service to our customers,” added Beda Bolzenius, vice chairman, Asia Pacific, Johnson Controls.
In the automotive seating market, Johnson Controls already has what it calls “a broad manufacturing footprint in China”, including 32 joint ventures, 61 manufacturing plants in 30 cities and 22,000 employees.
The company was recently recognized for its capabilities in China with the “Top Employer China” award for the fourth consecutive year.
The announcement of the company’s new global headquarters is the latest in a string of developments in China. In May 2014, Johnson Controls and Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems, Co. Ltd. signed a definitive agreement to form a global automotive interiors joint venture; the transaction is expected to close in 2015. And in July 2014, the company signed an agreement with Shanghai Yanfeng Industry and Commerce Co., Ltd. and Anhui Yansheng Automotive Trim Co., Ltd. to form a new fabrics joint venture in Huainan City, Anhui Province, China. The joint venture, named Anhui New Nangang Johnson Controls Automotive Trim Co., Ltd., provides Chinese automakers with seating services from fabric design, engineering and manufacturing to trim products.