Johnson Controls Inc., a manufacturer of automotive seating, interior systems and batteries, was chosen by Ford Motor Co. as one of the few companies to receive a coveted supplier agreement. Ford is reducing its suppliers by 50% and entering into long-term agreements with "select strategic suppliers globally to strengthen collaboration and develop a sustainable business model to drive mutual profitability and technology development" according to a Sept. 29, 2005, press release from Ford Motor. Johnson Controls is a 2005 IW 50 Best Manufacturing Company.
As of Oct. 1, Alberto Inbarguen joined the board of directors of PepsiCo Inc., one of IndustryWeek's 50 Best Manufacturing Companies. Formerly chairman of the Miami Herald Publishing Co., in July 2005 he became CEO of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which support journalism programs and civic advancement.
Lexmark International Inc. named John W. Gamble Jr. CFO last month, succeeding Gary E. Morin who retired. Previously he was CFO at Agere Systems Inc., a $1.9 billion provider of semiconductors. Prior to Agere, Gamble served in finance leadership roles with AlliedSignal Inc., and then Honeywell International Inc., following the merger of the two companies. Lexmark is a 2005 IW 50 Best Manufacturing Company.
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