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Governor Steve Beshear today announced Johnson Controls Inc. will expand its Northern Kentucky automotive battery operation, creating 45 new jobs. The company’s $24.2 million investment will increase the plant’s square footage to accommodate additional production lines and warehousing space.
“Johnson Controls is a longstanding corporate citizen in the Commonwealth, employing thousands of Kentuckians in multiple locations across the state,” Gov. Beshear said. “It is for this reason that we are pleased to partner with community leaders and Johnson Controls to make this job growth and investment possible, creating 45 new jobs in the Northern Kentucky area.”
Johnson Controls Power Solutions is a global leader in lead-acid starter batteries, advanced lead-acid batteries for Start-Stop vehicles, and lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. Start-Stop is a technology applied to a standard gasoline-powered vehicle that automatically shuts the engine off during idle, reducing fuel use and emissions by 5 to 12 percent. The engine restarts when the driver engages the clutch or releases the brake pedal.
The company, which currently employs 96 people in Florence, will convert approximately 60,000 square feet of existing warehouse space into manufacturing floor space. Construction is expected to be complete next spring.
“The investment in our Kentucky facility will enable us to expand manufacturing of our patented PowerFrame® grid technology, supporting the growth of Start-Stop vehicle technology in the United States,” said Allen Martin, vice president and general manager of the Americas for Johnson Controls Power Solutions. “We have a great history and presence here in Florence that we look forward to enhancing.”
To encourage the expansion, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority or KEDFA preliminarily approved Johnson Controls for tax incentives up to $1 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows the company to keep a portion of its investment over the term of the agreement through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
KEDFA also approved Johnson Controls for tax benefits up to $105,000 through the Kentucky Enterprise Investment Act, which allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development, and electronic processing equipment.
“Johnson Controls’ decision to expand in Boone County is yet another stamp of approval on the outstanding workforce available from our community,” said Rep. Sal Santoro, of Florence. “The company’s decision to invest more than $24 million and create 45 jobs is a reflection on Boone County’s citizens and the high quality of life available to those who live and work in the region.”
“This development is great news for job seekers in Northern Kentucky,” said Sen. John Schickel, of Union. “We must continue to strive to recruit new businesses to Kentucky and give support to our existing businesses to keep Kentucky economically competitive.”
“The confirmation that Johnson Controls is going forward with an expansion at its Boone County facility is positive economic news for our county and the entire Northern Kentucky community,” said Gary Moore, Boone County Judge-Executive and Northern Kentucky Tri-ED Executive Committee member. “Johnson Controls has been operating in our area since 1967. The company’s commitment to job growth, as well as significant capital investment is much appreciated.”
New and existing companies have announced the creation of nearly 4,200 new jobs in the tri-county Northern Kentucky region during Gov. Beshear’s administration. These economic development projects represent a more than $641 million capital investment in the Commonwealth.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ThinkKentucky or follow on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/ThinkKentucky.
About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. The company's 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. Johnson Controls' commitment to sustainability dates back to its roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through its 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. www.johnsoncontrols.com
