Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls Inc. — a manufacturer of automotive seating upholstery, interior
components and electronics — has agreed to acquire Michel Thierry — a France-based supplier of
automotive interior and seating fabrics and lamination. The acquisition is expected to close by the
end of November.
Michel Thierry has design, development, production, weaving, knitting, lamination, embossing,
screen-printing, welding and laser-punching capabilities. The company has manufacturing operations
in France, Spain and the Czech Republic, as well as other operations globally.
Johnson Controls states that its cut and sew expertise combined with Michel Thierry’s fabric
expertise will position the company to meet increasing global demand for integrated services from
fabrics to complete seats. The company also says the acquisition will generate future business
growth; offer improved innovation opportunities and potential for further quality optimization by
involving customers throughout the process chain; and enable the company to utilize its growth
potential in China and North America.
“Michel Thierry has continued to strengthen its leading market position in a difficult
industry context and will be well-armed to grow further,” said Frederic Chaussat, CEO, Michel
Thierry. “Johnson Controls Automotive Experience’s strong background opens up unique opportunities
to capitalize on our innovation, our manufacturing capabilities and our global reach, to conquer
new markets within a well-managed, financially stable and respected global company with a
foresighted attitude. We will benefit from this step by becoming part of a strong network of
expertise with considerable potential for future growth within the automotive industry.”
October 19, 2010
