West Union, SC—Nov. 12, 2014— Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company, is supporting those who serve in South Carolina’s National Guard and Reserve. In a ceremony held today honoring 18 veterans and military members at the company's automotive battery manufacturing facility in West Union, plant manager Jeff May signed the statement of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
"Johnson Controls recognizes the sacrifice our employees and their families make when they join the military and we are committed to help them succeed in their careers as civilians and members of our armed forces," said May.
The company pledged to provide its supervisors with the tools needed to manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve, as well as to actively recruit veterans into the workforce. Johnson Controls also recognizes, honors and enforces the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and pledges to continually support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crisis and in war.
“In 2014, Johnson Controls recruited nearly 700 new military and veteran employees across the United States,” said Brian Kesseler, president of Johnson Controls’ Power Solutions. “We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to our company.”
Veterans represent four and a half percent of Johnson Controls’ workforce in the United States. In South Carolina, eight percent of the company’s 1,086 employees are veterans.
“Employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the Guard and Reserve," said Bill Boozer, vice chairman of the ESGR. "Thanks to support from companies like Johnson Controls, the men and women of the Guard and Reserve are able to help protect and defend this great nation."
Additionally, Johnson Controls again has been named a top employer for hiring veterans by G.I. Jobs Magazine, a top military friendly employer for military spouses by G.I. Magazine and Military Spouse Magazine, and a top veteran friendly company by U.S. Veterans Magazine.
Helping the company to be an employer of choice is Johnson Controls’ Veterans Engagement Team (VET), which supports military members and their families. VET was formally recognized and chartered by the company in 2013.
Last year, Alex Molinaroli, chairman and chief executive officer of Johnson Controls, signed the statement of support to confirm the company’s support for its employees in the National Guard and Reserve and military veterans across the United States.
CONTACT:
Nicole Koremenos
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About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. The company’s 170,000 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, Johnson Controls is committed to delivering value to shareholders and making its customers successful. In 2013, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #14 company in its annual “100 Best Corporate Citizens” list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.
About Johnson Controls Power Solutions
Johnson Controls Power Solutions is the world's largest manufacturer of automotive batteries, supplying approximately 140 million every year to automakers and aftermarket retailers. The company's full range of lead acid and Lithium-ion battery technology powers nearly every type of vehicle for our customers- including conventional, Start-Stop, Micro Hybrid, hybrid and electric. Johnson Controls' recycling system has helped make automotive batteries the most recycled consumer product in the world. Globally, 15,000 employees develop, manufacture, distribute and recycle batteries at more than 50 locations.
About ESGR
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense Office established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging the employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.