Johnson Controls announces intent to acquire the Automotive Component Holdings Plant in Saline, Mich.

In a move that will expand its global interiors manufacturing capacity, Johnson Controls recently signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Ford Motor Company to acquire the Saline, Michigan Automotive Components Holdings (ACH) plant. The plant manufactures interior components such as door panels, floor consoles, instrument panels, and cockpit systems for a variety of Ford Motor Company vehicles.

"Through this agreement, Johnson Controls would be able to provide further support to Ford Motor Company. This acquisition would also complement our global growth plans for our interiors business," says Jeff Williams, group vice president and general manager of North America for the Automotive Experience of Johnson Controls. "Our goals are to swiftly bring this operation to profitability, diversify its customer base, achieve synergies from the added volume and increase our share of the interiors market."

Closure of the transaction is contingent upon the completion of a competitive labor agreement with the unionized employees at the plant as well as resolution of other issues needed to ensure the long term competitiveness of the operation.

"Automotive Components Holdings is focused on the fundamentals of manufacturing and delivering significant improvements in quality, delivery and cost at its operations," says Al Ver, CEO and COO of Automotive Components Holdings and Ford Motor Company vice president. "We are pleased to partner with Johnson Controls on a transition for our interiors business that is based on a sustainable business case."

For more information about Johnson Controls, visit the company's Web site.