Johnson Controls starts auto seating plant in Hungary

Automotive systems supplier Johnson Controls has consolidated its position in central Europe by opening a new plant and increasing its stake in a JV.

The group has started to produce car seats at a new facility in Kecskemét, Hungary. The plant, supplies complete seat systems for the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

The plant currently employs 130 people. An additional 70 jobs will be created in the fall, when a second shift is added.

In Hungary, Johnson Controls also operates plants in Mezölak and Mór that produce metal seating components. In 2010, it acquired the Seton Hungary plant based in Pápa, which produces leather-wrapped car interior components.

The Kecskemét plant increases the company´s number of employees in Hungary to 2,500.

Johnson Controls also said it is acquiring a 24.9% share in its Novo Mesto, Slovenia joint venture called TPV Johnson Controls. This will give the group a 74.9% ownership stake, making it the majority shareholder in the joint venture.

The joint venture is between Johnson Controls and the TPV Group, and produces complete seating systems for the Renault assembly plant in Novo Mesto. It was established in 1998.