PLYMOUTH, MI — Johnson Controls has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Ford Motor Company to acquire the Saline, MI, Automotive Components Holdings (ACH) plant. The Saline ACH plant manufactures interior components such as door panels, floor consoles, instrument panels and cockpit systems for a variety of Ford Motor Company vehicles.

Closure of the transaction is contingent upon the completion of a competitive labor agreement with the unionized employees at the plant as well as resolution of other issues needed to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the operation.

"Through this agreement, Johnson Controls would be able to provide further support to Ford Motor Company. This acquisition would also complement Johnson Controls’ global growth plans for our interiors business by expanding our global interiors manufacturing capacity," said Jeff Williams, group vice president and general manager of North America for the Automotive Experience of Johnson Controls. "Our goals are to swiftly bring this operation to profitability, diversify its customer base, achieve synergies from the added volume and increase our share of the interiors market."

"Automotive Components Holdings is focused on the fundamentals of manufacturing and delivering significant improvements in quality, delivery and cost at its operations," said Al Ver, CEO and COO of Automotive Components Holdings and Ford Motor Company vice president. "We are pleased to partner with Johnson Controls on a transition for our interiors business that is based on a sustainable business case."

For more information, visit: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.