YORKSHIRE bed manufacturer Harrison Spinks has won a top leadership award for innovation from a global car seating giant.

Johnson Controls picked the Leeds-based company for help in creating environmentally-friendly car seats that combine comfort with energy saving.

ComfortThin technology uses Harrison Spinks’ patented mattress pocket springs instead of foam cushioning to create dramatically-thinner seats.

The springs can replace conventional urethane foam with a 100 per cent recyclable alternative and create extra leg-room for passengers – up to 1.4in (35mm).

Managing director Simon Spinks said: “Because the seats are up to 20 per cent lighter than conventional versions, vehicles use less fuel and in turn produce less polluting CO2.

“The active seating surface adapts to occupants of all sizes. Each pocket spring is able to react independently, further improving seating life while giving occupants the right amount of support when and where it’s needed.”

Johnson Controls expects ComfortThin seats to be available in vehicles around the world from 2015, and picked Harrison Spinks as one of seven companies honoured for leadership in its annual North American supplier awards.

Jim Box, vice president of purchasing, North America, for Johnson Controls’ Automotive Experience business, said: “The dedication of our suppliers is integral to our success as a global automotive leader.”

Harrison Spinks and Johnson Controls recently won the prize for Concept Vehicle Interior Innovation of the Year at the Automotive Interiors Expo Awards.

Johnson Controls has also picked up the prestigious OkoGlobe international mobility industry environment award for the product.

Simon Spinks – who invented Harrison Spinks’ Revolution ® pocket spring system – said the company was seeking new markets for its technology all the time.

“We believe our technology has many applications, and we have around eight staff working on innovation at all times,” he said.

“We’re proud to be working with such a world-leading company as Johnson Controls, and absolutely delighted to have received such an accolade from them.”

For further information, please contact Helen Weaver, Marketing Manager. hweaver@harrisonspinks.co.uk

Out of 55 finalists from across the North West, Yorkshire and North East, Simon was one of 12 business leaders to be recognised at Ernst & Young’s North region Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards, held at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester. All Northern winners will represent the region at the UK finals in October, and have a chance to compete at Ernst & Young’s World Entrepreneur Of The Year in Monaco next year.

At the first ever Automotive Interiors Expo Awards, a ceremony that honours the world’s finest designers, innovations and products in the automotive interiors arena, Harrison Spinks, in partnership with Johnson Controls are proud to announce that they have been presented the highly acclaimed award for Concept Vehicle Interior Innovation of the Year.

For further information please click here to download the full press release.

View the interview with Simon Spinks below.