MILWAUKEE -- As a result of rising commodity and handling costs, Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI) has announced it will implement an average price increase of 5 percent to 9 percent on batteries sold in the United States and Canada for orders starting April 1. Lead price adjustment agreements remain in effect.

The company said this action is necessary to offset rising raw material and delivery costs, including costs associated with improved packaging and transportation in support of safety standards from the U.S. Department of Transportation.  

JCI said the last price increase on lead acid batteries was in 2008.