Products & Solutions

Johnson Controls Gains Prestigious PACE Award Recognition for Developing Innovative Material Technology for Interior Components

Company works with partner to create a solution that allows quality interior surfaces to be made without paint

PACE Award ceremony

An innovative vehicle interior technology developed by Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) recently received top recognition from Automotive News in the publication’s 2010 PACE Awards program. A 2010 PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence) Award was presented to officials from Johnson Controls, in a ceremony at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit.

Johnson Controls – and its collaboration partner Nordenia Deutschland Gronau GmbH, of Gronau, Germany – were recognized for Polypropylene (PP) Thin Film interior surface technology in the “Manufacturing Process and Capital Equipment” category. PP Thin Film is used to make automotive door panels, instrument panels, seat back panels, seat valances, map pockets, pillars and other components. The process provides auto manufacturers with superior durability due to high scratch and mar resistance, perceived quality and reduced environmental impact of more costly filmed coatings at a competitive price. It consists of a composite foil made primarily of several polypropylene layers that are manufactured in a direct mold-behind process. Johnson Controls has supplied the material for production vehicles since 2008.

“We are honored that our PP Thin Film process technology was recognized with a PACE Award, a significant honor in the global auto industry,” said Tony Kmeid, executive director, global innovation for the Automotive Experience business of Johnson Controls. “This acknowledges the commitment of our team and our partner, Nordenia Deutschland Gronau, to providing industry-leading innovation, quality and value for automotive interiors.”

According to the PACE Award judges, “The close collaboration between Johnson Controls and Nordenia resulted in a new automated manufacturing process that integrates thin-film technology, deep drawing, back injection molding, laser cutting and the edge-wrapping processes.”

PP Thin Film

The PP Thin Film technology offers many benefits for automakers, including increased craftsmanship; high scratch and mar resistance vs. conventional or painted injection molding; controllable variety of gloss levels; the ability to be adapted to match the finish of adjacent components; and cost-efficient upgrading of interior applications. With this process, the use of various substrate materials for interiors is possible – including solid or foamed injection molding, recycled or fiber-reinforced materials.

Consumers benefit because they get more durable, higher quality interior surfaces in their interiors than with painted plastics. Scratch resistance adds more reliability and stability to the value of their cars, and PP Thin Film products are fully recyclable. In addition, consumers get more selection because this technology enables high quality surfaces in almost all colors and for all product zones.

This year’s award marks the seventh time Johnson Controls has received a PACE Award. The company previously was honored for various interior products and technology innovations – including the HomeLink® Wireless Control System.

Since the launch of the PACE Awards program in 1994, Johnson Controls has been recognized with seven PACE Awards. The company’s innovative products and processes have been named as finalists in 11 of the past 16 years. The PACE Awards program is sponsored by Automotive News, Ernst & Young, and the Transportation Research Center.

The PACE Awards program is designed to recognize suppliers that demonstrate high levels of innovation and excellence in improving automotive products and services. Nominees are evaluated on uniqueness, leadership and results. The competition is open to suppliers who contribute products, processes, materials or services directly to the manufacture of cars or trucks.

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in over 150 countries. Our 142,000 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.

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 more than 200 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, in over 200 million vehicles.

2010 PACE Award
Suppliers Contact Site map Social Media Privacy Terms of use Feedback
© 2013 Johnson Controls. All rights reserved.