Bridgewater Interiors, a joint venture of Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company with core businesses in the automotive and building industries, was honored recently by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) with its 2013 Minority Manufacturer of the Year Award.

The nationally recognized award was accepted by Ron Hall, Sr., Bridgewater Interiors president and CEO, during a ceremony this week in Washington, D.C.

“It’s an honor to accept MBDA’s 2013 Minority Manufacturer of the Year Award,” said Hall.  “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire Bridgewater team and their commitment to our customers and the community we serve.”

Each year, the Minority Manufacturer of the Year Award is presented to a minority-owned firm that has achieved significant success in employing new and innovative techniques that led to a significant increase in market share, job growth and customer satisfaction.

Bridgewater Interiors, a certified minority business enterprise, is a Detroit-based automotive interiors supplier created in 1998 as a joint venture between Johnson Controls and Epsilon Technologies. The company specializes in just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing and supplies interior products for General Motors, Ford Motor Co., Chrysler and Honda, including seating and overhead and center console systems.

The MBDA recognized Bridgewater for having the most progressive technologies, equipment and a highly skilled team, making it a leader in the manufacturing industry.

About Johnson Controls:

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat.