PLYMOUTH, Mich. -- Johnson Controls (JCI) is planning to open a new manufacturing plant in West Point, Ga., to build and supply vehicle seating and interior products to Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. beginning in summer 2009.

Johnson Controls' West Point plant, which is located about 70 miles from Atlanta, is expected to employ approximately 310 people when it reaches full production. When it launches production in fall 2009, Johnson Controls will supply complete seat systems and door panels for a next-generation Kia SUV.

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) began construction of a new, $1.2 billion automotive assembly and manufacturing plant in October 2006 in West Point to produce vehicles for the North American market. The automaker's first U.S. manufacturing plant will begin production in late 2009, and is expected to produce 300,000 vehicles annually when it reaches full production.

"Johnson Controls is pleased to support Kia with quality seating and interior products as they launch production at a new site in Georgia," said Beda Bolzenius, president of the automotive experience business of Johnson Controls. "We're also proud to open a new facility and bring jobs to the West Point area. We are grateful for the support we have received from the local and state government officials in Georgia for their assistance on this project."

This new plant further expands Johnson Controls relationship globally with Kia. The company currently manufactures seat systems and interior components for Kia in Europe and Asia.

For additional information about JCI, visit: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.