Johnson Controls Teams Up with Mattress Manufacturer Harrison Spinks Ltd to Create the ComfortThin Automotive Seat Concept (mit Bild)

Burscheid (ots) -

- Cross-reference: Pictures are available at

http://www.presseportal.de/galerie.htx?type=obs -

Seat features the bedding industry's innovative pocketed coil
technology, a 100 percent recyclable alternative to traditional seat
foam

Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive seating, overhead
systems, door and instrument panels, and interior electronics,
announced that it has formed a development relationship with luxury
mattress manufacturer Harrison Spinks to integrate pocketed coil
spring mattress technology into an automotive seat concept called
ComfortThin. The thin profile seats replace conventional urethane
foam pads with a 100 percent recyclable alternative, and provide a
five to 20 percent weight reduction. This technology will be
available for 2015 model year vehicles.

"As part of our innovation process, Johnson Controls looks to
apply technology from other industries into automotive applications,"
said Andreas Eppinger, group vice president, technology management
for Johnson Controls Automotive Experience. "Leveraging the Harrison
Spinks pocketed coil spring mat technology allows us to offer a
seating concept with an unrivalled level of support that contours to
the vehicle occupant's body for short- and long-term comfort."

"We are delighted to have signed this agreement with the industry
leader Johnson Controls so that we can bring this sustainable
alternative to traditional foam technology to the automotive
industry," said Simon Spinks, Managing Director of Harrison Spinks.

Applicable for first, second and third row seats, the ComfortThin
seat provides a dramatically thinner, tailored seat back with up to a
20 percent reduction at the center of the seat and a 35 percent or
more reduction in the bolsters. The active seating surface adapts to
passengers occupants of all sizes. Each spring unit is able to react
independently, further improving seating life while giving occupants
the right amount of support when and where it is needed.

Digital photos are available at www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk/press.

About Johnson Controls:

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial
leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 162,000
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.

About Johnson Controls Automotive Experience:

Johnson Controls is a global leader in automotive seating,
overhead systems, door and instrument panels, and interior
electronics. We support all major automakers in the differentiation
of their vehicles through our products, technologies and advanced
manufacturing capabilities. With 240 plants worldwide, we are where
our customers need us to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort and
style of our products, from single components to complete interiors.
With our global capability we supply approximately 50 million cars
per year.

About Harrison Spinks:

Founded in 1840, Harrison Spinks encompasses three quality bed
brands Harrison, Somnus and Spink & Edgar as well as Harrison Spinks
Components with the Spinks Springs brand. The business is run by the
Spinks family who has been involved since the 1930s. True to its
origins, as well as high end bed and mattress manufacture, Harrison
Spinks make high quality comfort pocket springs for sale worldwide
through its components business. The high end mattress businesses
provides the drive and understanding to develop new comfort
technologies which can then be sold into furniture, automotive and
other mattress businesses around the world. Harrison Spinks has a
long history of innovation in components and spring technology,
utilizing patented machinery and design technology.

Harrison Spinks employs 300 people, has 3 factories in Leeds with
over 350,000ft² for the manufacturing of pocketed springs, a 300 acre
farm where it grows natural non-woven materials, such as hemp, flax
and wool for mattresses, and a 50 acre wood from which Harrison
Spinks plans to incorporate the timber into divan frames as soon as
next year.

For more information, please contact:
Johnson Controls GmbH
Automotive Experience
Industriestraße 20-30
51399 Burscheid

Ulrich Andree
Tel.: +49 2174 65-4343
Fax: +49 2174 65-3219
E-Mail: ulrich.andree@jci.com