MILWAUKEE -- Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI) has been selected by Walmart to be the sole source provider of its automotive, marine, powersport and lawn and garden battery requirements for its stores in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Representatives of Walmart said JCI's superior quality, consistent service, partnership in reducing consumer returns and category leadership were key factors in being selected as the big box retailer's sole source provider.

Johnson Controls has been a Walmart supplier for more than 25 years. This past year, the company received Walmart's Supplier of the Year for Automotive award.

"We are honored to receive this expanded business from Walmart," said Allen Martin, vice president and general manager Americas for the Power Solutions business of Johnson Controls. "We are committed to providing Walmart the highest level of quality and service, demonstrating the value we bring to all our customers in the United States and globally."