American Automotive Suppliers Honored by French

Johnson Controls Inc., based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cignet LLC in Troy, Michican, and AxleTech International, also in Troy, were honored by the French government at the ninth annual Invest in France Automotive Awards ceremony held at the Detroit Institute of Arts during the 2004 SAE World Congress.

The Invest in France Automotive Awards are presented annually to recognize leading North American automotive companies that have made a significant investment in new or expanded facilities in France.

With 19 vehicle manufacturing plants producing over 3.6 million vehicles annually, the country is Europe’s second largest automotive manufacturing center. Paris is the leading automotive purchasing center for the continent, with purchasing decisions there affecting nearly 14% of global vehicle production.

Each of the three companies received a limited-edition crystal automobile designed and cast by the world-renowned glasswork manufacturer Compagnie Française du Cristal Daum. Receiving the awards on behalf of their companies were Keith Wandell, president, automotive group of Johnson Controls, Inc.; Richard Crawford, chairman of Cignet LLC; and Mary Petrovich, CEO of AxleTech International.