US automotive supplier Johnson Controls (JCI, Europe: Burscheid / Germany; www.johnsoncontrols.com) has outgrown its European headquarters. Company spokesman Ulrich Andree told Plasteurope.com that the group’s Automotive Experience segment had reached its limits in Burscheid and was no longer able to expand. He added that the group was currently considering various options, including remaining in Burscheid and using additional space, moving the headquarters to a new location while retaining some activities in Burscheid or quitting the HQ in favour of another premise entirely.

JCI’s European headquarters is located on about 100,000 m² of grounds and employs some 1,900 workers. The future HQ should measure about 160,000 m², preferably be situated on even ground and offer easy access to the motorway. In addition, JCI is looking for a location that will fit between 3,000 and 4,000 employees. Andree clarified that a possible merging of different business locations would not result in any layoffs.

The city of Burscheid is keen to have JCI remain in its existing offices and has offered the group additional space. Neighbouring communities, including Solingen, Leverkusen and Haan, have also started vying for the automotive supplier’s attention. In fact, JCI does not want to change geographic location and – also in the interest of its employees – is focusing its HQ search on the Burscheid region. The group hopes to begin operations from the new premises between 2014 and 2017.

JCI Automotive Experience’s roughly 25 German production sites are not affected by the search for a new headquarters.