Johnson Controls invests $555 million in production expansion

By 2020, it will be difficult to buy a new vehicle that runs while idling. Start-Stop technology continues to gain in popularity as tightening government fuel economy and carbon emission reduction targets put additional challenges on car makers. In anticipation of increasing demand, Johnson Controls is adding Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery production capacity. AGM is the technology at the heart of a Start-Stop system, which delivers consumers 5 percent fuel savings every time they fill up their gas tank. With USD 555 million in investments between 2011 and 2020, the company is implementing plans to expand AGM production capacity in Germany, the United States and China. "To ensure we will continue to meet rising demand of car manufacturers and aftermarket retailers for this technology, we consider it a business priority to invest in increasing our production worldwide." says Lisa Bahash, group vice president and general manager Original Equipment, Johnson Controls Power Solutions.