Johnson Controls employees renovate space for refugees in Zwickau

From Johnson Controls:

Johnson Controls employees renovate space for refugees in Zwickau

• Employees renovate room for education and recreational activities
• Project supports 150 refugees in the Neuplanitz housing project

Zwickau – August 26, 2015 – The world’s largest automotive battery maker is stepping up to help refugees in Zwickau, Germany. Johnson Controls employees are renovating a room in a city housing project to support families fleeing from many countries, for example from Syria.

“Working with people from different backgrounds and different nations is a part of Johnson Controls culture,” said plant manager Matthias Horn. “I am proud our employees decided to help the men, women and children who are joining our community.”

Employees volunteered to paint, add chalkboards and build a children’s play area in a room at the Neuplantiz housing project on the Dortmunder Straße. 150 refugees will be able to use the space for educational courses and recreation, such as handicrafts.

“We are grateful for the active support. Our residents appreciate the renovated room. They can participate in German lessons and meet with neighbors and supporters,” said Ines Beckmann, European Homecare GmbH.

The refugee assistance is part of the Johnson Controls volunteer community outreach program called Blue Sky Involve. Since 2006, employees have executed more than 370 projects with 43,000 volunteer hours in Germany. In Zwickau for example, the company supports the “Zwickauer Tafel” project and social associations such as the “Hermann-Gocht-Haus“.