JOHNSON CONTROLS TIMELINE

• Johnson Controls Joins The Climate Pledge, co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism to Support Accelerated Net-Zero Carbon Ambition

  February 17, 2021

  CORK, Ireland, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced it has joined The Climate Pledge, a commitment co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism. Signatories of the Pledge commit to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, ten years ahead of the goal set […]

• Clarios Launched

  May 2, 2019

  Johnson Controls Power Solutions business becomes new entity, positioned to capitalize on growing global power demands MILWAUKEE, May 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Clarios, formerly Johnson Controls Power Solutions, today launches as a new entity and world leader in advanced energy storage solutions. Clarios was acquired by Brookfield Business Partners and operates as a global energy […]

• Note on the Timeline

  December 31, 2016

  December 31, 2016/Updated June 3, 2017 (PD: 201612) Want to learn about entrepreneurs? Ever wonder how a company can thrive for over 130 years? You can learn a lot of that in reading through the Johnson Controls Timeline stories compiled here. Over 260 stories recount the history of Johnson Controls and the companies who together helped […]

• Separation of Adient Completed

  October 31, 2016

  As reported in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “Shareholders of Johnson Controls now own shares in two public companies incorporated in Ireland, after the Glendale company completed its spinoff of its automotive seating business, Adient plc. The formal separation of Johnson Controls from its automotive seating business was completed Monday, leaving the former ready to be […]

• Johnson Controls and Tyco Merger

  September 6, 2016

  Combined company creates the global leader in buildings and energy solutions CORK, Ireland, Sept. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — With a vision to create a safe, comfortable and sustainable world, a newly formed Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI) begins operations today following the successful completion of its merger with Tyco, marking a historic turning point for both companies. […]

• CBRE Acquires Global Workplace Solutions

  September 1, 2015

  MILWAUKEE, Sept. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) announced today it has completed the sale of its Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) business to CBRE Group (NYSE: CBG) for $1.475 billion. Global Workplace Solutions is one of the world’s largest providers of facilities management services. The sale includes a 10-year strategic relationship between the […]

• A Quick Review

  August 25, 2013

  1885-1910: THE SPIRIT OF INVENTION Oh, the technology of the late 1800s! German engineer Otto Lilienthal patented a hang glider that inspired the United States’ Wright brothers to explore manned flight. The Lumière brothers introduced France to projected motion pictures. Great Britain’s David Misell, working in the U.S., patented the battery-powered flashlight. Warren S. Johnson […]

• Stories by Ken Wirth — Thanks Ken

  August 24, 2013

  The stories by week of company history were provided by Ken Wirth, Sr Mgr, Records and Archives Project. Ken is located at Corporate Headquarters in Glendale. We refer to Ken as the company historian, but he does lots more. Ken has supported the society before, notably at Reunion 2010. So much so, that he is […]

• Borg Instruments / Auto Electronics

  July 23, 2003

  Johnson Controls acquires Borg Instruments July 23, 2003 (PD: 201607) On July 23, 2003, Johnson Controls announced that it had completed its acquisition of Borg Instruments AG, a privately-held automotive electronics company headquartered in Remchingen, Germany.  Johnson paid 117.5 million Euro for Borg, in a move to strengthen the company’s interior electronics capabilities as well as […]

• VARTA – product/market expansion

  October 31, 2002

  Johnson Controls completes acquisition of Varta AG’s Automotive Battery Division October 31, 2002 (PD: 201510) On October 31, 2002, Johnson Controls completed its acquisition of Varta AG’s Automotive Battery Division.  Johnson Controls paid $302 million for the German firm, which had annual revenue of $571 million.  The Varta Automotive Battery Division consisted of VARTA Automotive GmbH, and an […]

• An Energy System for the Marines

  February 5, 2002

  Johnson Controls helps largest U. S. Marine base keep cool in the desert February 5, 2002 (PD: 201402) On February 5, 2002, the Johnson Controls’ Briefing newsletter reported that the company had won a $16.1 million contract for installation and service of a cogeneration energy system at the largest U. S. Marine Base in the world […]

• Battery/ Tech Acquisitions for Growth

  October 1, 2001

  Johnson Controls acquires HOPPECKE automotive battery business October 1, 2001 (PD: 201711) Johnson Controls completed its acquisition of automotive battery manufacturer HOPPECKE Automotive GmbH & Co. KG (HOPPECKE) of Brilon, Germany from Accumulatorenwerke HOPPECKE Carl Zoellner & Sohn GmbH on October 1, 2001. The privately-held HOPPECKE, which had manufacturing sites in Germany and sales and […]

• Nobel Prize!

  December 10, 2000

  Former Globe-Union employee Jack St. Clair Kilby awarded Nobel Prize December 10, 2000 (PD: 201412) On December 10, 2000, Jack St. Clair Kilby, 77, was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics for his part in the realization of the first integrated circuit (or microchip) while he was an employee of Texas Instruments. The microchip is the […]

• Ikeda Bussan in the family

  September 1, 2000

  Johnson Controls acquires Ikeda Bussan September 1, 2000 (PD: 201509) On September 1, 2000, Johnson Controls completed its acquisition of Ikeda Bussan, a Japanese automotive seating supplier. Ikeda, the primary supplier of seating to Nissan, had net sales of $1.2 billion in 1999.  Johnson Controls CEO James Keyes stated that “the acquisition of Ikeda Bussan is aligned with […]

• Mr. Milton Garland — WOW!

  July 20, 2000

  Milton Garland, York’s “Mr. Refrigeration,” passes away at 104 July 20, 2000 (PD: 201407) Milton Garland, one of the United States’ oldest workers, passed away a month short of his 105th birthday on July 20, 2000. After working his way through Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, Garland took a job with the Frick Company of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania for […]

• Sabroe A/S of Denmark

  June 10, 1999

  York International acquires Sabroe A/S of Denmark June 10, 1999 (PD: 201711) York International completed the largest acquisition in its history by purchasing Sabroe A/S of Aarhus, Denmark on June 10, 1999 for $407 million. By acquiring one of the world’s leading suppliers of industrial refrigeration systems and products, York itself became the world leader […]

• Industrial Battery Division Sold

  March 1, 1999

  Johnson Controls sells the Industrial Battery Division March 1, 1999 (PD: 201706) Johnson Controls sold its Industrial Battery Division to C & D Technologies, a producer and marketer of electrical power storage and conversion products, for $120 million in cash on March 1, 1999. The Industrial Battery Division had sales of $87 million for fiscal […]

• Becker Group/ Auto Interior Systems

  July 1, 1998

  Johnson Controls acquires the Becker Group July 1, 1998 (PD: 201607) Johnson Controls completed its acquisition of the Becker Group, an automotive interior supplier, on July 1, 1998. The Becker Group was a privately held firm based in Sterling Heights, Michigan and Wuppertal, Germany, with 8,400 employees in 51 facilities worldwide.  Its 1998 sales were approximately […]

• Johnson Controls in Demand at Reagan!

  February 6, 1998

  Johnson Controls’ Demand Response Technology at Reagan National Airport February 6, 1998 (PD: 201702) On February 6, 1998, President Bill Clinton signed legislation changing the name of Washington National Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, to honor the former president on his 87th birthday.  The legislation was passed by Congress in 1998. For the past several […]

• Moving on from innovative plastics

  February 28, 1997

  Johnson Controls sells the Plastic Container Division February 28, 1997 (PD: 201602) Johnson Controls completed the sale of its Plastic Container division (PCD) to Schmalbach-Lubeca/Continental Can Europe, a unit of the German Viag AG conglomerate, for $650 million on February 28, 1997. Johnson Controls planned on using the sale funds to help finance the company’s $1.35 billion […]

• Intertec Systems JV

  February 22, 1996

  Johnson Controls’ and Inoac’s new joint venture, Intertec Systems February 22, 1996 (PD: 201402) It was announced on February 22, 1996 that Johnson Controls and Inoac Corporation of Nagoya, Japan, agreed to form a new joint venture called Intertec Systems, which would be the second-largest independent instrument panel supplier to the North American auto market.  The two companies […]

• Sao Bernardo, Brazil Seating Plant

  August 29, 1995

  Johnson Controls plans to open automotive plant in Brazil August 29, 1995 (PD: 201408) The Johnson Controls’ Briefing newsletter from August 29, 1995 announced the company’s plans to open a 100,000-square-foot plant in Sao Bernardo, Brazil (south of Sao Paulo). The “just-in-time” plant, the company’s first automotive complete seat facility in South America, would serve as the primary supplier […]

• Automotive Achieves Production Milestones

  August 2, 1995

  Johnson Controls’ seating plants achieve production milestones August 2, 1995 (PD: 201408) On August 2, 1995, the Johnson Controls Briefing newsletter announced that several automotive systems plants recorded production milestones. According to the announcement, the Belcamp, Maryland plant produced the six millionth seat for General Motors; the Sunderland, Tyne and Wear plant in Great Britain delivered […]

• Intelligent Seat System

  May 17, 1995

  Johnson Controls unveils new “intelligent” automotive seat system May 17, 1995 (PD: 201405) A Johnson Controls press release from May 17, 1995 announced the development of a new intelligent vehicle seat that automatically adjusted to the driver’s body characteristics. The prototype self-positioning seat system was introduced that same day at the Automotive & Transportation Interiors ’95 Exhibition […]

• Edgar Prince, Entrepreneur

  March 2, 1995

  Edgar Prince, founder of Prince Automotive, passes away March 2, 1995 (PD: 201603) Edgar Prince, the founder of Prince Automotive of Holland, Michigan, passed away on March 2, 1995 at the age of 63. Prince began his company in 1965 with 46 employees to repair die-cast machinery.  Though the company was moderately successful, Prince began looking for alternative […]

• 10 Million Batteries to Autozone

  February 20, 1995

  Johnson Controls celebrates 10 millionth battery to AutoZone February 20, 1995 (PD: 201602) On February 20, 1995, Johnson Controls held a celebration at its Battery Group headquarters in Glendale, Wisconsin to commemorate the shipment of its 10 millionth battery to auto parts retailer AutoZone. At the event, Johnson Controls CEO Jim Keyes presented Ron Ayotte, AutoZone executive […]

• Total Excellence — Battery

  January 5, 1995

  Johnson Controls batteries win award for excellence January 5, 1995 (PD: 201601) The Johnson Controls Briefing newsletter from January 5, 1995 announced that the company’s Battery Group received the “Quality Award for Total Excellence” from AutoAlliance International, Inc., the Ford/Mazda joint venture in the United States, for quality battery production in 1994. The award recognized select AutoAlliance […]

• Procord Ltd Facilities Management Acquisition

  August 22, 1994

  Johnson Controls acquires British facilities management firm Procord August 22, 1994 (PD: 201308) The Johnson Controls “Briefing” newsletter from August 22, 1994 announced that the company offered to buy 100% of the stock of Procord Limited, a facilities management company in the United Kingdom, from its employees, management, and IBM. Procord, formed in 1991 following a management […]

• Chrysler Core Focus/JCI Automotive Expansion

  June 30, 1994

  Johnson Controls acquires two seat trim plants from Chrysler June 30, 1994  (PD: 201711) Johnson Controls (JCI) completed its acquisition of two automotive seat trim facilities from Chrysler Corporation on June 30, 1994. The acquired plants, Canadian Fabricated Products (CanFab), located in Stratford, Ontario, and EDIASA, located in Juarez, Mexico, were being operated by Chrysler’s […]

• Bench Integrated Structural Seat

  January 7, 1994

  Johnson Controls introduces new bench seat design January 7, 1994 (PD: 201401) On January 7, 1994, Johnson Controls’ Briefing newsletter reported that Automotive Systems Group engineers had designed a new bench seat system for second- and third-row passenger seats in vans, mini-vans, and extended-cab pickup trucks. The new Bench Integrated Structural Seat (BISS) design incorporated […]

• Automotive New German HQ

  October 18, 1993

  New European Automotive Systems headquarters planned in Burscheid, Germany October 18, 1993 (PD: 201410) Plastics News reported on October 18, 1993 that Johnson Controls was building a new 114,100-square-foot headquarters and research and development center on a 13.3 acre plot in Burscheid, Germany for its European Automotive Systems Group. The $16.6 million center was scheduled for […]

• Shanghai Johnson Controls Factory

  January 14, 1993

  Johnson Controls’ joint venture with Shanghai Thermostat January 14, 1993 (PD: 201401) Johnson Controls’ Briefing newsletter from January 14, 1993 reported that the Controls Group (today’s Building Efficiency Business Unit) had recently signed a joint venture agreement with Shanghai Thermostat in China to manufacture basic refrigeration and temperature controls. The joint venture, called Shanghai Johnson Controls Factory […]

• JCI Community in action!

  August 24, 1992

  Johnson Controls employees pull together after Hurricane Andrew hits August 24, 1992 (PD: 201711) Packing winds of 165 m. p. h., Hurricane Andrew reached landfall in southern Florida on Monday, August 24, 1992.  Only the third category 5 hurricane to hit the United States, Andrew caused 26 direct fatalities and $26.5 billion in damage as it moved […]

• Return to Poland

  March 18, 1992

  First major company controls installation in modern republican Poland March 18, 1992 (PD: 201706) Johnson Controls’ Briefing newsletter from March 18, 1992 announced that the company had secured its first major building controls installation in Poland since the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. According to the article, the company had a $650,000 contract to […]

• World Services … in Service to the Navy

  October 8, 1991

  World Services Orlando Naval Training Center contract October 8, 1991 (PD: 201610) Johnson Controls’ Briefing newsletter from October 8, 1991 announced that Johnson Controls World Services, Inc. had won a facilities maintenance contract at the Orlando Naval Training Center (NTC) in Orlando, Florida. Under the $6.9 million, one-year contract (with four one-year options), Johnson Controls World Services […]

• Seats for Volkswagen in Zwickau

  February 12, 1991

  Johnson Controls/Naue joint venture in Zwickau, Germany February 12, 1991 (PD: 201402) It was announced on February 12, 1991, in the Johnson Controls Briefing newsletter, that the Company was preparing to open a just-in-time automotive seating plant in Zwickau, in the former state of East Germany.  The plant was to supply seats for the Volkswagen Golf […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 35 No 1

  January 1, 1991

  Monitoring the Field Vol 35 No 1 January 1, 1991 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) The Final MTF … With a brief trek through the years, this is the good bye with the promise of a new beginning. From January 1957 through January 1991, the monthly […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 12

  December 1, 1990

  Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 12 December 1, 1990 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) “How to get the Most out of Tradeshows” Teams are the way in L.A. … “It’s easier for the customers” George Munoz, Lead Technician “It’s turned out to be a key […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 11

  November 1, 1990

  Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 11 November 1, 1990 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) “Wacky Wager” competition? More promoting of intrepreneurship: “Got an Idea? Put it in Writing” Marke Roberts, Branch Manager, Dayton, auctions himself for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

• Saturn, Tachi-S & JCI

  October 31, 1990

  Johnson Controls and Tachi-S joint venture supplies seats to Saturn Corp. October 31, 1990 (PD: 201410) The October 31, 1990 issue of Briefing (a Johnson Controls newsletter) noted that General Motors’ long-awaited Saturn cars were publicly unveiled earlier that month. The Saturn project had begun in 1982, with the first prototype vehicle produced in 1984.  GM hoped […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 10

  October 1, 1990

  Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 10 October 1, 1990 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Special Strategic Issue … business is local! Bob Heller, “It’s OK (and Profitable) to Show up Uninvited”

• Remember Florence Klatt

  September 3, 1990

  Florence Klatt, long-time Johnson Controls employee and first woman officer, passes away September 3, 1990 (PD: 201409) On September 3, 1990, Florence Klatt, an employee of Johnson Controls for fifty years, passed away at the age of 69 from complications due to an auto accident. Klatt joined the company in 1939 after graduating from St. John’s […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 9

  September 1, 1990

  Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 9 September 1, 1990 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Exceeding Your Expectations: 1990 Merit Award Winners … check them out, winners all! Dennis Charlebois on management leadership for the 1990’s  

• Harry Rubinstein … Engineer, Inventor, Entrepreneur

  August 8, 1990

  Inventor of the PEC, Centralab employee Harry Rubinstein, passes away August 17, 1990 (PD: 201608) Harry W. Rubinstein, an electrical engineer with Globe-Union’s Centralab division from 1927 to 1946, passed away on August 17, 1990. While at Centralab, Rubinstein was credited with inventing numerous devices, including a combined on-off/volume switch and a slide volume control, both […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 8

  August 1, 1990

  Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 8 August 1, 1990 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Satellite Branch results, with comments by Rich Kolaczewski Bob Tisdale, L.A. Energy Services Sales on the value of customer relationships John Sant on wire selection Controls Group re-org with Joe Lewis

• Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 7

  July 1, 1990

  Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 7 July 1, 1990 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Entrepreneurs ,,, intrepreneurs … at JCI Tim Redmond FirePro entrepreneur talks about his process Packaging for the environment is discussed with Mark Ishihara, Environmental Engineer Jim Lizzi & Chuck Hatton in […]

• FMS a new business for JCI

  June 18, 1990

  FMS begins operation and maintenance of commercial facilities June 18, 1990 (PD: 201711) June 18, 1990 marked the official start of Johnson Controls Facility Management Services’ (FMS) entry into the business of operating and maintaining commercial facilities.  FMS was formed as an outgrowth of Johnson Controls’ purchase of Pan Am World Services in 1989, which formed […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 6

  June 1, 1990

  Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 6 June 1, 1990 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Jim Wilson, Doug Decker & Terry Weaver mix it up with the pol’s over energy Recognizing excellence is put on accelerated time … do it when it happens! Bill Conway talks […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 5

  May 1, 1990

  Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 5 May 1, 1990 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) This is how business grows successfully … Evolution of Sales from “Smoothy Man” to “Partner for Success” John Smoak, Albany, Patricia Marshall, Chicago South, and Douglas Brown, Denver sharing their ideas […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 4

  April 19, 1990

  Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 4 April 1, 1990 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date)   This issue is all about people … Click on the image to see the profile of excellence in ‘How to spot a Chairman’s Award Candidate.” It was a winner idea […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 3

  March 3, 1990

  Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 3 March 1, 1990 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Bill Hable’s market research indicates that branch sales and profits will increase substantially in the next two years Dave Patterson talks about doing business in Moosejaw — it’s about being local! […]

• Metasys Steals the Show

  February 12, 1990

  Johnson Controls unveils Metasys to the public February 12, 1990 (PD: 201602) Johnson Controls introduced its new Metasys line of building controls products at the International Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigerating Exposition held in Atlanta on February 12, 1990. The revolutionary Metasys was (and still is) a complete system for managing all aspects of a commercial building including […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 2

  February 1, 1990

  Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 2 February 1, 1990 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Metasys at its very first ASHRAE Show JCCN training via satellite speeds new product introduction Joe Gray does management training Dave Phelps, mechanic, Dallas/Fort Worth cited for his work with handicapped […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 1

  January 1, 1990

  Monitoring the Field Vol 34 No 1 January 1, 1990 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Metasys emerges from its ‘Lobo’ root Jim Wilson has a message on opportunities Malcolm Gurley comments on Computer Assisted Engineering And, Jim Greevers gives the scoop on valve standardization … and […]

• EverStart — The Best of What’s New

  December 27, 1989

  Energizer EverStart battery selected for Popular Science honor December 27, 1989 (PD: 201512) The December 27, 1989 edition of the  Johnson Controls newsletter Briefing reported that the company-made Energizer EverStart battery was honored by the editors of Popular Science magazine as one of the 100 greatest achievements in science and technology and new products for their 1989 […]

• JCI and McDonald’s in Moscow

  November 21, 1989

  Johnson Controls’ subsidiary supplies controls for first Soviet McDonald’s November 21, 1989 (PD: 201411) It was announced on November 21, 1989 that JCIR, Johnson Controls’ Controls Group’s West German subsidiary, would supply the temperature control system for the first McDonald’s restaurant in the Soviet Union. The restaurant, located in Moscow’s Pushkin Square, was to be the […]

• JCI — Energizer

  November 15, 1989

  Johnson Controls and Eveready agree to market battery lines November 15, 1989 (PD: 201311) The Waukesha County Freeman reported on November 15, 1989 that Johnson Controls had reached a long-term agreement with the Eveready Battery Company to market automotive batteries under the Energizer and Eveready brand names beginning on December 1 of that year. Tom Hansen, […]

• DieHard Gold at the Top!

  April 14, 1989

  Company-made Sears DieHard Gold auto battery introduced April 14, 1989 (PD: 201706) The April 14, 1989 edition of the Johnson Controls Briefing newsletter announced that Sears was introducing the DieHard Gold automobile battery to the market. The new battery, which represented Sears’ top-of-the-line in car batteries, was designed, engineered, and manufactured by Johnson Controls. With […]

• Johnson Controls & Ikeda Bussan

  March 15, 1989

  Johnson Controls and Ikeda Bussan name joint venture “Vintec Co.” March 15, 1989 (PD: 201403) The March 15, 1989 issue of the Johnson Controls newsletter Briefing announced that “Vintec Co.” would be the official name for the second joint venture between the Automotive Systems Group (today’s Automotive Experience Business Unit) and Ikeda Bussan of Japan that was […]

• Sears’ DieHard & Johnny 5

  July 6, 1988

  DieHard battery saves movie robot July 6, 1988 (PD: 201711) Johnson Controls employees, especially those in the Battery Group, might have felt a certain pride when watching the movie Short Circuit 2, which opened in theaters on July 6, 1988.  The movie was a sequel to Short Circuit (1986), which told the story of “no. […]

• Saving Energy with DoD

  April 5, 1988

  Johnson Controls creates Defense Systems Group April 5, 1988 (PD: 201706) On April 5, 1988, the Milwaukee Sentinel announced that Johnson Controls had formed a “Defense Systems Group.” The Group’s primary role was to assist the U. S. Department of Defense (DoD) in the reduction of its utility bills worldwide. At the time, the DoD […]

• Meet Jim Keyes, CEO

  January 27, 1988

  Jim Keyes becomes Johnson Controls CEO January 27, 1988 (PD: 201401) Jim Keyes succeeded Fred Brengel as CEO of Johnson Controls on January 27, 1988. Mr. Keyes joined the company in 1966 as a systems analyst after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Marquette University in 1962 and a Master’s degree in business administration from […]

• Lincoln Continental by Pikeville, TN

  October 6, 1987

  Johnson Controls awarded Ford contract for auto window regulators October 6, 1987 (PD: 201410) The October 6, 1987 issue of the Johnson Controls newsletter Briefing reported that Ford Motor Company had awarded the company a contract for $20.4 million in window regulator business. The window regulators would be produced at the Pikeville, Tennessee plant over a three-year […]

• Facility Management, Houston

  September 26, 1987

  Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center opens September 26, 1987 (PD: 201409) The George R. Brown Convention Center opened on September 26, 1987, on the east side of downtown Houston, Texas.  It was named for the prominent Houstonian George R. Brown, a construction mogul and philanthropist. The facility took more than 1,200 workers thirty months to […]

• JIT Seats from Orangeville, Ontario

  August 24, 1987

  Orangeville seating plant begins production August 24, 1987 (PD: 201608) Johnson Controls’ new $9.36 million Orangeville, Ontario automotive seating plant began production on August 24, 1987. The 115,000 square-foot plant made seats on a just-in-time (JIT) basis for the Eagle Premier that was produced at the new AMC assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario.  About 160 workers […]

• Sycamore IL Plant Startup

  August 11, 1987

  Sycamore, Illinois automotive seating plant start-up August 11, 1987 (PD: 201711) Johnson Controls’ new $9 million Sycamore, Illinois just-in-time automotive seating plant began shipping complete seats on August 11, 1987. The seats were destined for Chrysler’s Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant, which began production the same day, where they were to be installed in the New […]

• Pan Am Games 1984/ The Indianapolis Branch out front .. Again!

  August 8, 1987

  Johnson Controls helps put on the 10th Pan American Games August 8, 1987 (PD: 201608) The opening ceremony for the Tenth Pan American Games took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (home of the Indianapolis 500) on August 8, 1987 before 80,000 spectators. The first Games were held in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1951, and have […]

• Ellis Island Update 1987

  May 5, 1987

  Ellis Island renovation includes Johnson Controls’ JC/85 Facilities Management System May 5, 1987 (PD: 201711) A Johnson Controls press release from May 5, 1987 announced the company’s part in the $160 million renovation of Ellis Island into a National Park Service museum dedicated to immigration. Touted at the time as the “world’s largest historic renovation […]

• Agreement with Cardkey

  February 24, 1987

  Johnson Controls signs agreement with Cardkey February 24, 1987 (PD: 201402) On February 24, 1987, Johnson Controls announced it had signed a multi-million dollar original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement with Cardkey to supply cards, readers, controllers and other hardware and software to be sold under the Johnson Controls brand.  Johnson Controls’ Access Control security system would […]

• Innovation for Plastic Containers

  December 11, 1986

  Johnson Controls introduces plastic bottle technology innovation December 11, 1986 (PD: 201512) The Johnson Controls Briefing newsletter from December 11, 1986 announced that the company’s Plastic Container Division had purchased technology to cost-effectively apply oxygen barrier coatings to plastic bottles and containers. Johnson Controls was the first manufacturer in the country to have such a process, which […]

• Mechanical Lab at MSOE

  September 10, 1986

  Johnson Controls Mechanical Laboratory at MSOE opens September 10, 1986 (PD: 201409) On September 10, 1986, the Milwaukee Journal announced the opening of a new $500,000 Johnson Controls Mechanical Laboratory at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). Johnson Controls donated all of the equipment and renovation costs for the state-of-the-art lab, which served as a training […]

• Madison Branch Office at the Circus?

  July 18, 1986

  Johnson Controls keeps Circus Train running cool July 13, 1986 (PD: 201711) On July 13, 1986, the Great Circus Parade was held in downtown Milwaukee.  Before the Parade could be staged, however, the wagons, equipment, and animals had to be transported to Milwaukee from their permanent home at the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin […]

• Thunderbird/Cougar Seats by Ferro

  July 10, 1986

  Johnson Controls’ Ferro Division receives Ford contract for T-Bird seat tracks July 10, 1986 (PD: 201407)   The July 10, 1986 issue of Briefing (a Johnson Controls newsletter) reported that the Ford Motor Company had chosen Johnson Controls Automotive Systems Group’s Ferro Automotive Division to supply power seat tracks for their 1989 Thunderbird/Cougar and a new luxury […]

• Alliance Service in the UK

  June 26, 1986

  Johnson Controls launches Alliance building services program in the U. K. June 26, 1986 (PD: 201606) On June 26, 1986, at an event at Claridge’s Hotel in London, Johnson Control Systems Limited launched its Alliance program of building services in the U. K. The Alliance program, which had been introduced in the United States in October […]

• York International Formation

  April 9, 1986

  Borg-Warner spins off York International April 9, 1986 (PD: 201404) On April 9, 1986, Borg-Warner spun off York International as a publicly-held corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange. York had been part of the Borg-Warner conglomerate since its acquisition in 1956.  However, as Borg struggled economically in 1985, rumors began surfacing that it would […]

• Johnson Controls at Super Bowl XX

  January 26, 1986

  Johnson Controls Super Bowl XX television commercials January 26, 1986 (PD: 201701) Johnson Controls purchased time for two company commercials to air during Super Bowl XX, which took place on January 26, 1986.  The ads ran during the first and second quarters of the game. One ad featured the company’s lighting and control system for the Louisiana […]

• Chairman’s Award for Excellence …

  September 1, 1985

  Inaugural Chairman’s Awards presented September 10, 1985 (PD: 201609) The first annual Chairman’s Awards for Excellence in Customer Satisfaction were given to outstanding Johnson Controls employees at the Strategic Management Meeting in Milwaukee on September 10, 1985. Chairman Fred Brengel personally presented nine Awards to individual employees and employee teams for their contributions to customer satisfaction.  […]

• Senate Productivity Award(s)

  May 31, 1985

  Senator William Proxmire presents Johnson Controls with the Senate Productivity Award May 31, 1985 (PD: 201405) Johnson Controls’ Briefing newsletter from May 31, 1985 announced that Wisconsin Senator William Proxmire had presented the company with the Senate Productivity Award. Created by an act of Congress in 1982, the United States Senate Productivity Award is given by U. S. […]

• Opening the Chinese Market

  May 13, 1985

  Johnson Controls signs technology pact with China May 13, 1985 (PD: 201605) The Johnson Controls newsletter Briefing reported on May 13, 1985 that the company had signed a five-year agreement with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to provide automated temperature control technology for analog environmental control systems. In exchange for $1.8 million, Johnson Controls gave the Beijing […]

• New Positions for Fred & Jim

  April 2, 1985

  April 2, 1985 (PD: 201404) The April 2, 1985 edition of the Johnson Controls newsletter Briefing reported that Johnson Controls’ CEO and President Fred Brengel was elected chairman of the board at the board of directors meeting on March 27, 1985. At the same meeting, Jim Keyes was elected to the board of directors and named […]

• Victor Posner, a bump in the night!

  March 27, 1985

  Corporate raider Victor Posner denied in attempt to stop Johnson Controls’ acquisition of Hoover Universal March 27, 1985 (PD: 201403) On March 27, 1985, The Wall Street Journal announced “Posner Bid to Block Johnson Controls’ Purchase Is Denied.” The article went on to explain that a federal court in New York denied the bid by Victor […]

• Battery Work with COMSAT

  May 9, 1984

  Johnson Controls and COMSAT team up on advanced battery system May 9, 1984 (PD: 201711) The May 9, 1984 edition of the Johnson Controls Briefing newsletter announced that the company and the Communications Satellite Corporation (COMSAT) had signed a technology licensing agreement and formed a joint venture research program to develop an advanced battery system […]

• Batteries for the ’84 Olympics

  April 26, 1984

  Johnson Controls’ batteries help ABC coverage of the 1984 Summer Olympics April 26, 1984  (PD: 201404) The Johnson Controls’ Briefing newsletter from April 26, 1984, announced “our batteries will help ABC television cover the marathon events during the Summer Olympic games in Los Angeles.” Johnson Controls donated thirty-two electric vehicle batteries to power ABC’s van and […]

• JCI in the Sky!

  March 9, 1984

  Johnson Controls’ hot air balloon makes debut March 9, 1984 (PD: 201603) Johnson Controls’ hot air balloon made its public debut on March 9, 1984 as it was being filmed as part of a series of company television commercials that were to air during the Summer Olympics later that year. The decision to advertise on network television, a […]

• Battery in South Carolina

  October 10, 1983

  Plans for Oconee County, South Carolina battery plant announced October 10, 1983 (PD: 201610) The Johnson Controls Briefing newsletter of October 10, 1983 stated that Oconee County, South Carolina had been chosen as the site for a new $9 million battery container plant.  Groundbreaking took place the following January with top company executives and South Carolina […]

• Circles of Excellence Challenge

  September 28, 1983

  “Circles of Excellence” program announced September 28, 1983 (PD: 201509) The September 28, 1983 edition of the Johnson Controls newsletter Briefing announced the company’s “Circles of Excellence” (COE) program for employees. The program was designed to tie in to the upcoming Summer Olympics Games in 1984 and company commercials which were to air on the ABC-TV broadcasts of the Games. […]

• Barth, GM Hoover Universal Plastic Components

  September 22, 1983

  John Barth, future Johnson Controls CEO, receives promotion at Hoover Universal September 22, 1983 (PD: 201309) On September 22, 1983, future Johnson Controls CEO John Barth was named general manager of Hoover Universal’s Plastic Components Division. Barth joined Hoover in 1969 as an industrial engineer at the company’s Erie, Pennsylvania plant, where he eventually became plant […]

• CHAIN DSC-8500 Network

  September 1, 1983

  CHAIN software links DSC-8500 with IBM PC September 1, 1983 (PD: 201609) The September 1, 1983 edition of the Johnson Controls newsletter Briefing announced the introduction of Computerized Head-end Access Information Network (CHAIN) software that linked the company’s DSC-8500 remote digital system controller with an IBM personal computer. CHAIN expanded the monitoring and control capabilities […]

• GE Test Hybrid

  August 11, 1983

  Johnson Controls’ batteries help drive GE’s test hybrid vehicle August 11, 1983 (PD: 201308) Although hybrid cars have recently become popular with the American driving public, Johnson Controls was involved in the development of a one-of-a-kind hybrid test automobile thirty years ago. The journal Machine Design reported on August 11, 1983 that General Electric had successfully […]

• JCI Performance Guaranteed!

  June 16, 1983

  Johnson Controls saves millions of dollars for Maryland school board June 16, 1983 (PD: 201406) On June 16, 1983, the Washington County (Maryland) Board of Education announced that it had entered into a five-year energy management partnership with Johnson Controls that was believed to be the largest energy services agreement ever reached (up to that time) […]

• Globe Dynasty Introduced

  May 18, 1983

  Johnson Controls’ Globe Battery Division introduces Dynasty battery line May 31, 1983 (PD: 201711) The Johnson Controls newsletter Briefing from May 31, 1983 reported that the company’s Globe Battery Division was to introduce its new Dynasty battery line that summer.  The new battery line was designed for applications where a supply of uninterruptible power was necessary.  […]

• JC/85/20 BAS Introduced

  December 17, 1982

  Johnson Controls introduces the JC/85/20 building automation system December 17, 1982 (PD: 201512) The December 17, 1982 edition of the Johnson Controls Briefing newsletter announced that the company’s new JC/85/20 computerized building automation system would be introduced at the International Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigerating Exposition in Atlantic City the following January. The JC/85/20 was designed specifically to be […]

• New R&D Center in Glendale

  July 28, 1982

  Johnson Controls breaks ground on new Research and Development Center July 28, 1982 (PD: 201307) An article from the July 28, 1982 edition of The Milwaukee Journal reported on Johnson Controls’ proposed $4.75 million Research and Development Center to be built next to its corporate headquarters in Glendale. The new 60,000 square-foot center was to provide Johnson […]

• Globe is Sears “Source of the Year”

  June 3, 1982

  Sears honors Johnson Controls with its “Source of the Year” award June 3, 1982 (PD: 201406) The Geneva (Illinois) Republican announced in its June 3, 1982 edition that the Globe Battery Division of Johnson Controls (today’s Power Solutions Business Unit) was named by Sears, Roebuck and Co. as the recipient of the company’s first “Source of […]

• Johnson Controls — Protecting Civilization

  April 1, 1982

  Johnson Controls helps protect prominent library collection April 1, 1982  (PD: 201304) The Chicago North Loop News reported on April 1, 1982 that Chicago’s Newberry Library’s new ten-story book stack building had been finished, complete with a Johnson Controls computerized system to monitor security, fire detection, temperature and humidity. The Newberry was founded in 1887 following […]

• Gel/Cell Battery Introduced

  March 31, 1982

  Johnson Controls introduces new 12-volt Gel/Cell battery March 31, 1982 (PD: 201603) The Seaway Review Quarterly from March 31, 1982 reported that the Globe Battery Division of Johnson Controls was offering a new maintenance-free, 55 amp hour, 12-volt Gel/Cell battery. The rechargeable lead-acid battery was manufactured for use in either deep-cycle or stand-by power applications.  It was designed […]

• Stationary Battery/ Back-up Power

  January 27, 1982

  Johnson Controls Battery Division lands large contract January 27, 1982 (PD: 201601) On January 27, 1982, it was announced that the Johnson Controls Battery Division (today’s Power Solutions business unit) landed its first power generation plant installation exclusive to the Globe stationary battery. The $350,000 contract called for seven battery systems to serve as back-up power for Indiana […]

• JCIR, Expansion in Europe

  January 8, 1982

  Johnson Controls acquires ITT’s European Controls Group January 8, 1982 (PD: 201401) The January 8, 1982 issue of Johnson Controls’ Briefing newsletter highlighted Johnson Controls’ purchase of ITT’s European Controls Group on December 31, 1981. ITT’s European Controls Group, headquartered in Essen, West Germany, manufactured and installed a variety of pneumatic controls and building automation systems for […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 12

  December 1, 1981

  Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 12 December 1, 1981 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Special on SSD People … just click on the title and read it … good times, good people! Gene Bendix — 100 pints of blood donated Sally Mills & Maureen Costello […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 11

  November 1, 1981

  Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 11   November 1, 1981 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) JCI & the Olympics Bob Tisdale on “Air Flow Controls: How Much Accuracy can We Afford?” Record sales year in Canada including $4.4m for Jim Whytock and more that $3m […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 10

  October 1, 1981

  Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 10 October 1, 1981 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) JCI at the 1982 World’s Fair Dutch Coon, Cedar Rapids puts JCI on the air Bill Rootham letter in EUN sends the message on Customer Satisfaction And, an entire page of […]

• Toledo Battery Plant … on the job

  September 28, 1981

  New Toledo battery plant makes first shipment to Sears September 28, 1981 (PD: 201609) On September 28, 1981, the Toledo Blade reported that Johnson Controls’ new battery plant in Toledo, Ohio had shipped out a few days earlier its first truckload of automotive batteries to several Ohio Sears stores.  Eventually, the plant was to supply batteries […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 9

  September 1, 1981

  Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 9 September 1, 1981 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Ban Capron to the Southwest TABS in Boston with Bob Colby & Barry Fisk Minus  65 degf on the job in Barrow, Alaska Sharon & Alan Lyles, Southwest Region, Dallas make […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 8

  August 1, 1981

  Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 8 August 1, 1981 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Top Honors for Calude Nobauer, Electrician Apprentice, Vancouver Office “What is Software?” by Marty Krygiel Jim Bradley, Mechanic, Union, NJ Office — idea for the Energy Manager Thermostat

• Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 7

  July 1, 1981

  Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 7 July 1, 1981 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Tom Hasty, Electrical Foreman, Philadelphia Branch, is in the right place & time with his CPR skills Don (D.R.) Cuatt’s Omaha Operating Room Checkout the list of people and their stories […]

• Energy Efficient Branch Office

  June 23, 1981

  Johnson Controls builds model energy-efficient branch office June 23, 1981 (PD: 201406) The Johnson Controls publication Briefing announced on June 23, 1981 that a prototype energy-efficient Systems and Services Division branch office building was being constructed in Salt Lake City, Utah to demonstrate the company’s technical capability to apply innovative energy-saving techniques. The building would incorporate cost-effective […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 6

  June 1, 1981

  Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 6 June 1, 1981 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) SBEMS! George Huhnke & Ron Caffrey, Marketer of the Year New Office in Baton Rouge …  great picture of the local team Dave Bigler on Canada — U.S. relations Ken Oakleaf […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 5

  May 1, 1981

  Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 5 May 1, 1981 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Bill Braack, Burce Ashenfelter, & Harvey Siebert in the news #2 Rating by Energy Users News Voorshoten, Holland sells the 1st JC/85/40 in Europe Kathy Longacre, Chicago South Branch — Counterline […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 4

  April 1, 1981

  Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 4 April 1, 1981 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) JC/85 soars with Dick Bobincheck and Bill Lydon Big hits by Bob McPherson in New Brunswick 1980 Branch Awards Bill Sigman receives an award for Forestry!

• MGM Grand — Best for the Biggest!

  March 11, 1981

  World’s largest hotel gets Johnson Controls system March 11, 1981 (PD: 201403) The Milwaukee Journal reported on March 11, 1981 that Johnson Controls was designing and installing a $5 million computer-controlled fire safety system for the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. The hotel and casino were under reconstruction after a fatal fire ravaged it in November […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 3

  March 1, 1981

  Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 3 March 1, 1981 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) MGM Las Vegas is back! Counterline Top 20 from John Levenhagen BAS Marketing led by Mike McLean Mechanic, Dick Gafford retires JCI UK moves into new office space in Swindon

• Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 2

  February 14, 1981

  Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 2 February 1, 1981 (PD: 201802) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) EBM Action Plan JC/85/40 Software shipped @ an Australian Trade Show And, lots of Ideas of the Month from the field, including Floyd Cason, Milwaukee and Rosemary St. Louis, Omaha

• Monitoring the Field Vol 25 No 1

  January 1, 1981

  Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 12 January 1, 1981 (PD: 201805) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Pneumatic Integrated Control Systems Computer Aided Design IC-squared in Canada And, Salmon fishing in Vancouver to boot!

• Johnson Controls Foundation MSO Grant

  December 10, 1980

  Johnson Controls Foundation gives largest grant December 10, 1980 (PD: 201612) The December 10, 1980 edition of the Johnson Controls newsletter Briefing reported that the Johnson Controls Foundation had made a grant of $500,000, the largest grant in its history up to that point, to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. The grant was to be made […]

• JCI Supports the Tampa Sun Dome

  November 29, 1980

  Johnson Controls installation in Tampa’s Sun Dome November 29, 1980 (PD: 201511) Completed on November 29, 1980, the Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida is a multipurpose sports and entertainment facility on the campus of the University of South Florida. In addition to serving as the home for many of that university’s sports teams, the 10,000-seat Sun Dome hosts […]

• Fred Brengel in Forbes Ad

  October 27, 1980

  Johnson Controls CEO Fred Brengel appears in Forbes magazine ad October 27, 1980 (PD: 201610) The edition of Forbes magazine for the week of October 27, 1980 included a Johnson Controls ad featuring company President and CEO Fred Brengel. It is believed that Brengel was the first company president to ever appear in an advertisement of […]

• Electric Car Battery Production

  September 5, 1980

  Mass production of electric vehicle batteries announced September 5, 1980 (PD: 201711) The Johnson Controls Briefing newsletter of September 10, 1980 reported that the Globe Battery Division (today’s Power Solutions business unit) had announced on September 5, 1980 the mass production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.  Production of the Globe EV-1000 was anticipated to reach […]

• JCI Signs IH to National Account

  July 30, 1980

  Johnson Controls signs record contract with International Harvester July 30, 1980 (PD: 201711) A contract for what was expected to become the largest single controls project in the history of Johnson Controls’ Systems and Services Division was signed with International Harvester on July 30, 1980. Johnson Controls was picked over twenty other companies for the energy […]

• Globe Battery Division of Johnson Controls

  May 27, 1980

  Johnson Controls’ battery operations receive a new name May 27, 1980 (PD: 201405) On May 27, 1980, the Johnson Controls newsletter Briefing announced that “Globe Battery Division of Johnson Controls has been established as the approved communications signature for the company’s battery operations.” The objective of the name change, the article went on to explain, was to […]

• Globe Battery Innovation/ Lightweight Grid

  May 6, 1980

  Johnson Controls’ new lightweight battery grid May 6, 1980 (PD: 201605) The Globe Battery Division of Johnson Controls introduced its new combination battery grid to the public on May 6, 1980. The grid’s name came from the fact that it was composed of a combination of lead and polypropylene – a revolutionary departure from traditional grids made of […]

• Centralab — A New Start

  April 7, 1980

  Johnson Controls sells the Centralab Electronics Division April 7, 1980 (PD: 201304) The Electronic Buyers’ News announced on April 7, 1980 that North American Philips Corporation (NAP) had completed an agreement to acquire the Centralab Division of Globe Union, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson Controls, for $63 million in cash. Centralab manufactured electronic components, principally ceramic capacitors, […]

• Globe takes first place in Beijing . . . in 1979

  December 19, 1979

  Johnson Controls is first company to sell battery manufacturing equipment to China December 19, 1979 (PD: 201412) The Milwaukee Journal reported on December 19, 1979 that Johnson Controls had become the first U. S. company to sell automotive battery manufacturing equipment to China.  The company’s Globe International Unit and Young International, a Winnetka (Illinois) consulting firm, negotiated […]

• Founder Story: Pan Am World Services

  September 5, 1979

  Pan Am World Services (PAWS) was founded on September 5, 1979 as a new wholly owned subsidiary of Pan American World Airways. PAWS was actually a consolidation of several contract services divisions created by the parent company since World War II. The Aerospace Division began with the company’s first operations and maintenance contract – for […]

• Electric Car ETV-1

  August 10, 1979

  Johnson Controls supplies batteries for the ETV-1 August 10, 1979 (PD: 201308) By the middle of the 1970s, high gas prices made many people think more seriously about the feasibility of electric-powered transportation. One company that was involved in electric vehicle experiments since the 1960s was Globe-Union.  After Johnson Controls and Globe-Union merged in October 1978, […]

• Universal = product diversity

  April 29, 1979

  Hoover enters the urethane sport ball market April 29, 1979 (PD: 201304) On April 29, 1979, Hoover Universal announced it had entered the sporting goods market by assuming the product line of Foster Associates of Manchester, New Hampshire. Hoover hoped to capitalize on the surge in organized softball and baseball leagues in the 1970s.  Hoover’s cellular […]

• Battery Open House at Canby OR

  April 28, 1979

  Canby, Oregon battery plant shows off new addition April 28, 1979 (PD: 201706) Johnson Controls’ battery plant in Canby, Oregon (which is about 20 miles south of Portland) held an open house on April 28, 1979 in order to let the public view the new 74,000-square-foot addition to the plant. The newly expanded plant was […]

• Investment in 2-liter bottles

  August 3, 1978

  Hoover commits largest capital outlay for PET bottle production August 3, 1978 (PD: 201608) On August 3, 1978, Hoover Universal announced that it was devoting the largest capital outlay in its history – $28.6 million – to increase its capacity to produce “family size” two-liter polyethylene terephthalate (PET) soda bottles. Hoover first began producing PET bottles (for PepsiCo) […]

• Electric Car Battery — 1978

  May 17, 1978

  Department of Energy taps Globe-Union for electric vehicle battery contract May 17, 1978 (PD: 201405) Globe-Union announced in an article from the May 17, 1978 edition of the Canby [Oregon] Herald that it had been awarded a $3.1 million sub-contract to develop and supply electric vehicle batteries. The sub-contract was awarded by the Argonne National Laboratory, contractor […]

• Hoover, from bearings to PET

  December 22, 1977

  DuPont licenses Hoover to make and sell PET bottles December 22, 1977 (PD: 201312) On December 22, 1977, the San Diego Daily Transcript reported that DuPont had signed an agreement with Hoover Ball and Bearing Company that licensed Hoover to manufacture and sell shatterproof, polyester soft drink bottles patented by DuPont. Hoover (acquired by Johnson Controls […]

• Johnson Controls’ Pipeline Venture

  July 22, 1977

  Johnson Controls’ pipes help move oil through the Trans-Alaska Pipeline July 22, 1977 (PD: 201711) On July 22, 1977, the first barrel of oil from Alaska’s Prudhoe Bay completed its 800-mile journey through the Trans-Alaska Pipeline to the Valdez Marine Terminal (where the oil is stored for shipment by tanker). To help keep the oil […]

• Sears Electric Car — Specs of Today!

  May 16, 1977

  Globe-Union supplies batteries to Sears electric car  May 16, 1977 (PD: 201305) As rising gasoline costs and concerns about the long-term sustainability of our country’s oil supply spark interest in electric and gas/electric hybrid vehicles today, so was the case in the late 1970s. And then, like today, Johnson Controls was involved in developing electric/hybrid vehicle […]

• Wilt in a VW Rabbit?

  March 21, 1977

  Hoover Ball and Bearing receives Volkswagen Rabbit seating contract March 21, 1977 (PD: 201403) On March 21, 1977, The Iron Age, a management magazine for metals producers, announced that Hoover Ball and Bearing Company (later Hoover Universal) was awarded a major contract for the production of front seat frame assemblies for the Volkswagen Rabbit.  Hoover also […]

• Director Roy Henry

  May 25, 1976

  Longtime company director Roy Henry retires May 25, 1976 (PD: 201711) Roy M. Henry retired from Johnson Controls’ board of directors after 46 years on May 25, 1976. Henry’s tenure (1930 to 1976) on the board is surpassed in longevity only by that of former company president Harry Ellis, who served from 1900 to 1949. […]

• On-the-job at DC Metro

  March 27, 1976

  Johnson Controls provides a “cool underground” in D. C. March 27, 1976 (PD: 201706) The first portion of the Washington Metro, known colloquially as Metro and branded Metrorail, the heavy rail rapid transit system serving the Washington, D. C. metropolitan area, opened on March 27, 1976. Johnson Controls’ Washington D. C. branch office was awarded temperature control […]

• Sometimes acquisitions don’t work …

  February 26, 1975

  Hoover acquires interest in MAJOSA of Spain February 26, 1975 (PD: 201702) On February 26, 1975, Hoover Ball and Bearing Company (the company changed its name to Hoover Universal in 1978, seven years before it was acquired by Johnson Controls) bought a 35% interest in Manufacturas Jose Jover, S. A. (MAJOSA) of Barcelona, Spain for $1,650,000 […]

• Meet Johnson Controls, Inc.

  December 2, 1974

  The Johnson Service Company becomes Johnson Controls, Inc. December 2, 1974 (PD: 201412)   On December 2, 1974, the company name officially changed from the “Johnson Service Company” to “Johnson Controls, Inc.”  The name change had been approved by company stockholders at the annual meeting the previous April by a nearly unanimous vote. The reasons for the […]

• Frank Lloyd Wright Building, Johnson Controls Inside

  September 13, 1974

  Frank Lloyd Wright landmark building – a Johnson installation – gets historical designation September 13, 1974 (PD: 201509) On September 13, 1974, the Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma was added to the National Register of Historic Places.  The nineteen-story, 221-foot-high building is the only “skyscraper” designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright that was actually built. Constructed from 1952 […]

• Marve Herrick retires …

  October 31, 1973

  Long-time Sales Promotion Manager M. M. Herrick Retires October 31, 1973 (PD: 201610) On October 31, 1973, M. M. (Marv) Herrick, manager of the Advertising/Sales Promotion Department, retired from the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) after 35 years of service. Herrick began his career with the company in the late 1930s supervising the bulletin […]

• Hoover Home Furniture . . .

  July 15, 1973

  Hoover’s OMNI Division introduces ‘wood-less’ shelving system July 15, 1973 (PD: 201307) A July 15, 1973 article in the Atlanta Journal reported on a new storage system made of rigid urethane shelves and cabinets supported by aluminum poles, all of which were manufactured by Hoover Ball and Bearing Company’s OMNI Division based in Charlotte, Michigan. Created by […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 12

  December 1, 1972

    Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 12 December 1, 1972 (PD: 201802) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) This one is just fun, a Merry Christmas from all the members of Field Engineering. Check it out to see their smiling faces! This is sort of a family thing […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 11

  November 1, 1972

    Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 11 November 1, 1972 (PD: 201802) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) International all the way, A.C. Buffalano, International Division and Mr. Muneharu Maeda, Saginomiya Johnson Controls; Doug Decker, Salt Lake City Branch and vice-president elect for the ISA District 8; Who’s […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 10

  October 1, 1972

    Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 10 October 1, 1972 (PD: 201802) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Application Engineering Class vs Field Engineering in serious volleyball! What a list! the Loyalty Awards 10 to 40 years on the job in the field. Rockefeller Center Building #19 largest […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 9

  September 1, 1972

    Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 9 September 1, 1972 (PD: 201802) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Georgetown Assembly Plant … basketball team Ken Goetschel, Manager Field Labor Relations, and Bob Pagliasotti, Service Sales Manager, Denver Office Rattlesnake in Fargo found by Pat Donahue; Roger LaRue Installation […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 8

  August 1, 1972

    Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 8 August 1, 1972 (PD: 201802) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Pres McNall, Director of Engineering receives the Distinguished Service Award from ASHRAE Dennis Gruszynski, San Francisco Office notes that the office was in the TV Movie, “Police Dog” Dick Barth […]

• Globe in Yugoslavia

  July 27, 1972

  Globe-Union makes deal with Yugoslavian battery manufacturer July 27, 1972 (PD: 201607) On July 27, 1972, the Glendale [Wisconsin] Herald reported that “Globe-Union Signs Agreement in Yugoslavia.” The article explained that Globe-Union had agreed to license Trepca, a Yugoslavian battery manufacturer, to use company-developed technology in production processes.  The 10-year, $4 million agreement also provided for the […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 7

  July 1, 1972

    Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 7 July 1, 1972 (PD: 201802) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) BIEMS Phase I and the Philly office steps up to help out the Wilkes-Barre office that was flooded … teamwork all around. Alan McKenzie and Aurelio Cavallaro, Sydney, Australia office […]

• York, PA and Hurricane Agnes

  June 22, 1972

  Hurricane Agnes’ rains flood York plant June 22, 1972 (PD: 201306) Hurricane Agnes struck the northeastern United States on June 22, 1972 and proceeded to drop torrential rains which caused devastating floods over much of the region.  As a result, 129 people were killed and hundreds of thousands more were left homeless.  Damage from the hurricane […]

• Citation for the San Francisco Branch Office!

  June 14, 1972

  Johnson Service Company helps in production of “Police Dog” movie June 14, 1972 (PD: 201606) The Johnson Service Company’s (Johnson Controls’ former name) San Francisco Branch received a letter dated June 14, 1972 from the San Francisco Police Department thanking the branch manager, Dennis Gruszynski, for the branch’s help in the filming of the movie “Police Dog.” […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 6

  June 1, 1972

  Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 6 June 1, 1972 (PD: 201802) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) OSHA Safety Policy from Fred Brengel Mike Hester, Field Engineer, Toronto, Jeff Clarke, Regional Engineer, Leatherhead, England, Bill Powell, Regional Engineer, Milano, Italy … some good international collaboration … Jack Vierheilig, […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 5

  May 1, 1972

    Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 5 May 1, 1972 (PD: 201802) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Johnson Controls “best of show” at APPA …Nuclear Power Plant jobs … Bob Borchert, Fleet Supervisor … Who’s who on Factory Row Service meeting at Youngstown Office … Regional Managers […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 4

  April 1, 1972

    Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 4 April 1, 1972 (PD: 201802) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Gene Strehlow, Field Engineer, and a list of his colleagues ready to help the field. Kiely & Mueller acquisition … Customer writing in to cite the excellent work of Sam […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 3

  March 20, 1972

    Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 3 March 1, 1972 (PD: 201802) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) JC/80 Introduction and stories on notable people doing their part exceptionally well: P.K. Ng, Field Engineer, Toronto Branch and Ramon Filoteo, Sales Engineer, the Philippines Pres McNall, Director of Engineering […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 2

  February 1, 1972

    Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 2 February 1, 1972 (PD: 201802) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Kareem Jabbar & Greg Smith at Murty’s house! Bob and Carol Brown on a 190 mile snowmobile trip! How about that!

• Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 1

  January 1, 1972

    Monitoring the Field Vol 16 No 1 January 1, 1972 (PD: 201802) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Harold Alyea, Eric Ho, Hugh Alexander, and Arthur Carmen (UK), poly tubing, and the value of safety glasses

• Monitoring the Field Vol 15 No 12

  December 1, 1971

    Monitoring the Field Vol 15 No 12 December, 1971 (PD: 201706) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Season’s Greetings from the entire Field Engineering Team as well as the Construction Team … checkout these folks who were direct support for the field operations, up close and personal in those […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 15 No 11

  November 1, 1971

    Monitoring the Field Vol 15 No 11 November, 1971 (PD: 201706) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Regional Managers 1971, BIEMS startup, meet Ray Woznick and Joe McNany, and Success I$ stories by field entrepreneurs … but bubbling freon through the air tubes is past it ‘best by’ date […]

• Monitoring the Field Vol 15 No 10

  October 1, 1971

    Monitoring the Field Vol 15 No 10 October, 1971 (PD: 201706) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Ray Keener, Dennis Totzke, … Mickey Mouse and Old Wives’ Tale #2 — Rats are attracted to poly tubing …

• Monitoring the Field Vol 15 No 9

  September 1, 1971

    Monitoring the Field Vol 15 No 9 September, 1971 (PD: 201706) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Who Knows what in Field Engineering … and check out Jack Fisher’s Footlocker … one of a field full of entrepreneurs who grew the business!  

• Monitoring the Field Vol 15 No 8

  August 1, 1971

    Monitoring the Field Vol 15 No 8 August, 1971 (PD: 201706) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Check out the 1971 Field Engineering Flashes Softball Team and a call for “Success I$ ” stories on this new business called “service”!  

• Monitoring the Field v15 no 7

  July 1, 1971

    Monitoring the Field Vol 15 No 7 July, 1971 (PD: 201706) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Update on John Kaiser, George Maxwell, and Martin Ubhaus … on the job for country and customers

• Monitoring the Field v15 no 6

    Monitoring the Field Vol 15 No 6 June, 1971 (PD: 201705) (click on the title to see the issue published on this date) Learn about the former Sunday School  teacher who had ‘open-door’ access to anyone at 507, especially everyone on executive row. She always put the field and customers at the top of her list […]

• Hoover in transition . . .

  January 14, 1971

  Hoover and Japan’s NSK agree on joint venture January 14, 1971 (PD: 201301) On January 14, 1971, The Lamar Democrat from Lamar County, Alabama reported that Hoover Ball and Bearing Company of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Nippon Seiko K. K. (NSK) of Tokyo, Japan agreed in principle to establish a jointly owned company in the United […]

• SET President Frances Riggs-Young

  December 31, 1970

  Pioneering woman president Frances Riggs-Young retires December 31, 1970 (PD: 201512) Mrs. Frances Riggs-Young, president of the Standard Electric Time Co. (SET), a company acquired by Johnson Controls in 1967, retired after nearly 55 years of service on December 31, 1970. Based in Springfield, Massachusetts, SET manufactured electrical clock and programming systems, fire alarm and emergency lighting […]

• Demo Van — mobile classroom

  November 30, 1970

  Johnson Service Company Demo-Van embarks on cross-country tour November 30, 1970 (PD: 201511) On November 30, 1970, the Johnson Service Company’s (Johnson Controls’ former name) new Demo-Van took to the road for a cross-country trip to visit all of the company’s branches in the United States. The carpeted van was thirty feet long and eight feet wide.  […]

• York ’28 Unit still on the job!

  November 10, 1970

  York helps cool California Governor’s Mansion November 10, 1970 (PD: 201611) On November 10, 1970, the California Governor’s Mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The thirty-room, three-story mansion was built in 1877 for local hardware merchant Albert Gallatin in midtown Sacramento.  The State of California purchased the house in 1903 to […]

• Plastic or Paper?

  October 21, 1970

  Plastic versus paper: the eternal debate October 21, 1970 (PD: 201310) The Alabama Journal of Montgomery, Alabama reported on October 21, 1970 that people buy more milk when it’s sold in plastic jugs than paper cartons. A spokesman for Pet, Inc., said that even though it costs more for the distributor to put the milk in […]

• Rambler . . . Speed Record?

  September 17, 1970

  Globe-Union electric vehicle rambles to speed record  September 17, 1970 (PD: 201309) The September 17, 1970 edition of the suburban Milwaukee newspaper Fox Point/Bayside Herald featured an article about Globe-Union’s new electric car – a modified 1969 American Motors Rambler American. Powered by twenty Sears “DieHard” batteries (made by Globe-Union) housed in the trunk, this automobile […]

• Hoover Prefabricated Homes

  April 30, 1970

  Hoover enters the housing construction field April 30, 1970 (PD: 201304) On April 30, 1970, the Lamar Democrat of Lamar County, Alabama, announced that the Hoover Ball and Bearing Company of Ann Arbor, Michigan planned to enter the building production field by acquiring The Sanford Company, Sanford Construction Company, Inc., and American Modular Homes Corporation, all […]

• JC/80 for Standard Oil Building

  April 6, 1970

  Johnson Service Company installs JC/80 system in one of the world’s tallest buildings April 6, 1970 (PD: 201604) Groundbreaking began on April 6, 1970 for the construction of the Standard Oil Building in Chicago, Illinois. When completed in 1973, the structure, at 1,136 feet, was the tallest building in Chicago (it was surpassed by the Sears [now Willis] […]

• Batteries for Industrial Trucks

  March 17, 1970

  Globe-Union’s new Poly Cell battery March 17, 1970 (PD: 201303) An American Metal Market article published March 17, 1970 reported that W. D. Soderland, vice president of the Globe-Union Battery Division’s marketing and sales group, announced the immediate pilot production of an industrial truck battery line. The application of the new battery line was to be primarily […]

• Apollo 9/ NA Rockwell & SECD

  May 29, 1969

  Johnson Service Company’s work for Apollo 9 mission earns honors May 29, 1969 (PD: 201605) Environmental Design magazine reported that on May 29, 1969 the Johnson Service Company (as Johnson Controls was known then) was honored by NASA and NASA contractor North American Rockwell Corp. for its work on the Apollo 9 space mission. Rockwell presented Johnson’s […]

• U of Guelph Starts a Digital Revolution!

  March 8, 1969

  Johnson Controls Limited’s first computerized environmental control panel in Canada March 8, 1969 (PD: 201706) According to the Financial Post (a Canadian weekly) of March 8, 1969, Johnson Controls Limited in Toronto was to install Canada’s first computerized environmental control panel at the University of Guelph in Ontario. Beginning on April 1, 1969, the system […]

• Penn Controls — manufacturing & technology

  October 31, 1968

  Johnson Service Company completes merger with Penn Controls October 31, 1968 (PD: 201310) On October 31, 1968, the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) completed a merger with Penn Controls, Inc., of Oak Brook, Illinois. At the time of the merger, Penn had fifty years of experience in the design and manufacture of electric and […]

• Hoover Auto Content, 1968

  September 24, 1968

  Hoover Ball and Bearing Company’s automotive parts business September 24, 1968 (PD: 201609) The September 24, 1968 edition of Hoover News, a Hoover Ball and Bearing Company newsletter included in the company’s 1968 annual report, carried a feature on the company’s automobile parts business. In 1959, Hoover products for the automotive industry consisted of die cast parts […]

• Another Innovation by Globe-Union

  September 18, 1968

  Globe-Union’s innovative polypropylene battery case wins prize September 18, 1968 (PD: 201209) It was announced on September 18, 1968, that Globe-Union had won first prize in the category “Developments in Battery Technology and Research” at the International Lead Conference in Venice, Italy. The award was given for development of a polypropylene battery case that made room for the use […]

• Fashion Show at Globe HQ

  May 23, 1968

  Johnson Controls’ corporate headquarters hosts fashion show and photo shoot May 23, 1968 (PD: 201305) The fashion industry showed off new looks at the recently completed Globe-Union administrative and research building, as per a Milwaukee Journal article from May 23, 1968. Today the building serves as Johnson Controls’ corporate headquarters.  Perhaps the building’s elegant appearance (it […]

• New HQ for Globe-Union!

  April 14, 1968

  Milwaukee newspaper lauds Globe-Union’s new headquarters April 14, 1968 (PD: 201604)   The Milwaukee Journal showcased the new Globe-Union research park in Glendale with an April 14, 1968 article entitled “A Glittering Park for Globe-Union.” Highlighting the new facility in words and photos, the article stated “from the moment the visitor first lays eyes on Globe-Union’s research […]

• JSC @Madison Square Garden

  February 14, 1968

  Johnson Service Company provides environmental controls for the new Madison Square Garden February 14, 1968 (PD: 201402) The fourth (and latest) incarnation of Madison Square Garden in New York City was opened on February 14, 1968. The Garden was part of a new office building and entertainment complex built on the site of the old Pennsylvania […]

• Johnson Service Company $100 million Mark!

  March 4, 1967

  Johnson Service Company sales exceed the $100 million mark March 4, 1967 (PD: 201303) “Johnson Service Posts Big Gains” was the title of a news article printed in the March 4, 1967 issue of The Milwaukee Journal.  The article reported that sales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1966 passed the one hundred million dollar […]

• One word . . . ‘Plastics’

  December 22, 1966

  Hoover machinery aids America’s switch from glass to plastic milk bottles December 22, 1966 (PD: 201412) An article in the trade journal Food and Drug Packaging (dated December 22, 1966) discussed the transition from glass to plastic bottles for packaging milk.  In 1962, three dairies in the United States began test marketing plastic milk bottles.  By […]

• Globe-Union in Spanish Market

  September 23, 1966

  Globe-Union becomes share owner of Spanish auto parts firm September 23, 1966 (PD: 201509) A Globe-Union press release announced on September 23, 1966 that the company would become a shareowner in Fabrica Espanola Magnetos S. A. (FEMSA), Spain’s largest manufacturer of automotive electrical equipment. Termed as a significant development in Globe-Union’s expanding international activity, the agreement licensed […]

• Hoover — fertilizer to foam

  August 29, 1966

  Hoover acquires Tillsonburg Machine Works August 29, 1966 (PD: 201308) On August 29, 1966, the (Canadian) Financial Record announced that Hoover Ball and Bearing had purchased all the outstanding shares of Tillsonburg Machine Works, Ltd., a manufacturer of dry bulk fertilizer spreaders in Tillsonburg, Ontario. Hoover intended to operate the newly acquired facility as a subsidiary […]

• Hoover in Greenfield, Ohio

  August 20, 1966

  Automotive seating plant dedicated in Greenfield, Ohio August 20, 1966 (PD: 201208) On August 20, 1966, Hoover Ball and Bearing Company executives, employees and community leaders participated in the dedication of the company’s new Plastics Products Division plant in Greenfield, Ohio. At the time of the dedication, 25 employees worked in the plant, producing molded urethane […]

• Hoover #461 on Fortune 500

  July 15, 1966

  Hoover makes the Fortune 500 list for the first time July 15, 1966 (PD: 201607) Hoover Ball and Bearing Company (later Hoover Universal) made Fortune magazine’s annual list of the top 500 largest American companies for the first time on July 15, 1966.  Hoover ranked 461st in sales (of $122 million) for the year 1965.  The Fortune […]

• Building for the Future in Europe

  April 20, 1966

  Johnson Service Company president sees bright future for company’s European operations April 20, 1966 (PD: 201304) An article entitled “Instruments: Johnson Control Growth” in the April 20, 1966 issue of the Investor’s Reader predicted that 1966 should round out two decades of uninterrupted sales growth for the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name). The article stated […]

• Founder Story: Prince

  December 16, 1965

  Edgar Prince was 33 years old when he founded the company that bore his name in December 1965 in Holland, Michigan. A talented engineer and veteran of the machine-tool industry, he wanted to start a company that would produce quality products; give employees a sense of ownership; and help the local community through charitable contributions. […]

• Globe HQ starts with a bang!

  October 22, 1965

  Construction on Globe-Union’s (later, Johnson Controls’) corporate headquarters begins October 22, 1965 (PD: 201610) Construction of Globe-Union’s Administrative and Research Center in Glendale, Wisconsin began on October 22, 1965. The Center had a rather unorthodox ground breaking ceremony.  Soil was loosened by a small explosive charge planted underground and detonated by energy supplied from a Globe […]

• NYSE Debut

  October 11, 1965

  Johnson Service Company stock debuts on the NYSE October 11, 1965 (PD: 201510) October 11, 1965 marked the first day that Johnson Service Company (the former name of Johnson Controls) was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. An article in the Milwaukee Sentinel reported that 1,608,814 shares of common stock, plus 34,800 shares “reserved for exercise […]

• Centralab Sources Hong Kong

  June 19, 1965

  Globe Union’s Centralab Division acquires Hong Kong’s Unicon June 19, 1965 (PD: 201306) The Bennington (Vermont) Banner reported on June 19, 1965 that Globe-Union’s Centralab Division had acquired an 86% interest in Unicon Electronics Company Ltd., an electronics manufacturing firm located in Hong Kong. Unicon employed 250 workers in the manufacture of polystyrene and ceramic capacitors […]

• Globe-Union HV Battery in Japan

  June 8, 1965

  Globe-Union’s agreement with Japan Storage Battery Limited June 8, 1965 (PD: 201306) A Milwaukee Journal headline from June 8, 1965 announced that “Globe-Union Licenses Japanese Company.” The accompanying article explained that Globe-Union (which was later acquired by Johnson Controls in 1978, marking the Company’s entry into the battery business) had licensed Japan Storage Battery Limited of […]

• A Fling with the Skateboard

  May 8, 1965

  Globe-Union cashes in on skateboarding mania May 8, 1965 (PD: 201305)   The May 8, 1965 issue of the Bennington Banner reported on the new “craze” of skateboarding, which combined skill and speed in riding downhill on a board about two feet long with roller-skate type wheels.  Although medical and law enforcement authorities were already warning […]

• Planning for Pretoria

  February 13, 1965

  Johnson Service Company hosts South African planning team February 13, 1965 (PD: 201302) On February 13, 1965, The Milwaukee Sentinel newspaper reported that the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) was hosting an engineer and an architect from South Africa, who wanted to look at new designs for controls equipment for their work on a […]

• JSC Weather Instruments

  February 6, 1965

  Johnson Service Company devices help forecast the weather February 6, 1965 (PD: 201302) The Milwaukee Sentinel reported on February 6, 1965 that the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) had filled a $20,000 contract to produce 750 radiosondes and radiometers for the United States Weather Bureau. While Johnson had been making radiosondes since World War […]

• Fred Brengel named Executive VP

  November 22, 1964

  Future Johnson Controls CEO Fred Brengel named executive vice president November 22, 1964 (PD: 201611) The Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) announced on November 22, 1964 that Fred Brengel had been elected executive vice president effective January 1, 1965.  At the time Brengel was vice president and general sales manager of the company. […]

• JSC Belgium

  October 5, 1964

  Johnson Service Company forms Belgian subsidiary October 5, 1964 (PD: 201310) On October 5, 1964, it was announced that a subsidiary of the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) had been formed in Belgium. The company, known as Johnson Control Belgique, S. A., would be a subsidiary of Johnson’s Swiss affiliate, Johnson Control S. A. […]

• Survive a ‘near-miss nuclear attack’?

  September 21, 1964

  Johnson Service Company wins Minuteman missile silo contract September 21, 1964 (PD: 201711) On September 21, 1964, the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) announced that it was awarded the contract for Wing VI of the U. S. Air Force’s Minuteman Missile Program.  Under the contract, the company was to furnish and install automatic […]

• Hoover, Business Pivot for Growth

  August 31, 1964

  Hoover acquires automotive seat foam manufacturer Stubnitz Greene August 31, 1964 (PD: 201711) On August 31, 1964, Hoover Ball and Bearing Company (later Hoover Universal) acquired the Stubnitz Greene Corporation, a manufacturer of urethane foam automotive seat cushions, head rests and arm rests. Founded in 1913 as the Hoover Steel Ball Company in Ann Arbor, […]

• 50 Years in Belgium

  July 30, 1964

  Johnson Controls celebrates 50 years in Belgium June 30, 1964 (PD: 201306) As Johnson Service Company’s (Johnson Controls’ former name) European business activity increased significantly in the years following the end of World War II, the need for wholly-owned subsidiaries in key foreign markets to manage the business soon developed (up to that point, Johnson had been working exclusively with sales agents in Europe). […]

• York Cools Ford’s Wonder at 1964 World’s Fair

  April 22, 1964

  York air conditions the Ford Pavilion at the 1964 World’s Fair April 22, 1964 (PD: 201706) Visitors to the Ford Motor Company’s Wonder Rotunda at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, which opened on April 22, 1964, were kept in air-conditioned comfort thanks to York. Two York EK-93 Absorption Units, with 750 tons of refrigeration […]

• Globe-Union … Stepping Out!

  February 1, 1964

  Globe-Union’s new overseas business organization appoints managing director February 1, 1964 (PD: 201702) In the early 1960s, Globe-Union (which merged with Johnson Controls in 1978) sought to secure its share of expanding international markets.  To coordinate its international activities, Globe formed the Foreign Operations Division, which was renamed the International Division in 1964. Another step Globe […]

• Hoover Acquisition

  January 6, 1964

  Hoover acquires the Quinn-Berry Corp. January 6, 1964 (PD: 201701) On January 6, 1964, the Hoover Ball and Bearing Company acquired the Quinn-Berry Corp. of Erie, Pennsylvania, an injection molder of thermoplastic parts used in a number of consumer and industrial products. Hoover was to operate Quinn-Berry, which had annual sales of approximately $3 million, as […]

• Innovative Battery in the Rambler

  August 16, 1963

  Globe-Union’s innovative “H-V” battery August 16, 1963 (PD: 201208) An article from the August 16, 1963 edition of The Milwaukee Journal reported that Globe-Union had developed a new type of battery, the “H-V,” which had been introduced the year before on a limited basis, but was now in full production. Keys to the development of the “H-V” […]

• T-4000 Pneumatic T-stat Introduced

  March 18, 1963

  The Johnson Service Company’s new T-4000 thermostat March 18, 1963 (PD: 201603) On March 18, 1963, the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration News announced the release of a new series of compact, fast-acting pneumatic room thermostats by the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name). Expected to be available to the public in August 1963, the T-4000 […]

• Johnson Service in Space

  November 11, 1962

        In the Fall of 1962 Johnson Services created the Johnsonite as a promotion for their work with the space program. Click on the link or the image of the cover to check it out. Johnson Service Company had a long history of great work for the United States government, including making flight […]

• Globe-Union Listing on the NYSE

  October 22, 1962

  Globe-Union debuts on the “Big Board” October 22, 1962 (PD: 201510) On October 22, 1962, Power Solutions predecessor Globe-Union, Inc. (which was acquired by Johnson Controls in 1978) was first listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Globe president Chester O. Wanvig, Jr. purchased the first 100 shares of company stock through Robert W. Baird & […]

• JSC on-board the SS France

  January 3, 1961

  Johnson Service Company provides temperature control system to longest passenger ship January 3, 1961 (PD: 201301) A Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) press release from January 3, 1961 announced the company’s installation of the temperature and air conditioning control system for the world’s longest passenger ship, the SS France. The new $80 million luxury liner […]

• Meet Richard J. Murphy

  November 18, 1960

  Richard J. Murphy elected as Johnson Service Company’s fifth president November 18, 1960 (PD: 201311) On November 18, 1960, the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) board of directors unanimously elected Richard J. Murphy as president, the company’s fifth president in its 75-year history. Mr. Murphy began his career with Johnson in 1918 in the accounting […]

• Hoover enters auto seating market

  May 31, 1960

  Hoover Ball and Bearing acquires seat spring manufacturer May 31, 1960 (PD: 201605) Hoover Ball And Bearing Company entered the automobile seat spring business on May 31, 1960 with its acquisition of Universal Wire Spring, Inc., which had plants in Georgetown, Kentucky and Solon, Ohio. Hoover was founded as the Hoover Steel Ball Company in 1913 by […]

• Centralab’s PEC — 100 million units!

  November 6, 1959

  Globe-Union’s Centralab division celebrates its 100 millionth PEC November 6, 1959 (PD: 201311) Globe-Union’s Centralab division held a party on November 6, 1959, at the Statler-Hilton hotel in Washington, D. C., to celebrate the production by the division of its 100 millionth packaged electronic circuit (PEC). The 100 millionth unit was specially mounted on a plaque […]

• To Customer Expectations . . . and beyond!

  December 14, 1958

  Johnson Service Company tower clock keeps on ticking for over fifty years December 14, 1958 (PD: 201312) The Newark Sunday News from December 14, 1958 reported that the tower clock at Centenary College in Hackettstown, New Jersey, donated to the college in 1903 by the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name), was the last of […]

• Globe-Union, Tampa — Pioneer in IAQ

  November 11, 1958

  Globe-Union opens new Tampa battery plant November 11, 1958 (PD: 201311) Globe-Union formally opened its new battery plant on a 17-acre site in Tampa, Florida with a two-day celebration that began on November 11, 1958. Built at a cost of over one million dollars, the new facility was expected to employ 100 workers in its 68,000 square […]

• C. O. Wanvig Jr/ Globe-Union President

  May 20, 1958

  Chester O. Wanvig, Jr. elected president of Globe-Union May 20, 1958 (PD: 201605) On May 20, 1958, Chester O. Wanvig, Jr. was elected president of Globe-Union after his father, Chester O. Wanvig, Sr., retired from his positions as chairman and president of the company. Wanvig, Jr. was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 23, 1919.  He attended […]

• Globe-Union & Studebaker-Packard

  January 21, 1958

  Globe-Union strikes deal with Studebaker-Packard to market batteries January 21, 1958 (PD: 201301) A headline from the January 21, 1958 edition of The Milwaukee Sentinel announced “Studie to Sell Globe-Union Batteries.” The accompanying article went on to explain that automobile manufacturer Studebaker-Packard’s parts and accessories division was to become a national distributor for Globe-Union batteries. Globe’s “Spinning […]

• Globe in Kentucky, 1957

  February 16, 1957

  New Globe-Union battery plant in Louisville, Kentucky holds open house February 16, 1957 (PD: 201302) The February 16, 1957 edition of the Louisville Times reported on the open-house celebration held at Globe-Union’s recently completed battery production plant in that city.  Built at a cost of $1,500,000, the new 90,000 square foot plant was designed to replace a […]

• Carl F. Johnson

  February 2, 1957

  Warren Johnson’s son, Carl F. Johnson, passes away at the age of 77 February 2, 1957 (PD: 201302) Carl F. Johnson, the younger of Johnson Controls’ founder Warren S. Johnson’s two sons, died on February 2, 1957 at his home in Altadena, California, at the age of 77. Carl was born on June 21, 1879 in […]

• Skates for Mickey

  January 16, 1957

  Globe-Union teams up with Disney to market “Mickey Mouse” roller skates January 16, 1957 (PD: 201301) The January 16, 1957 issue of the Milwaukee Sentinel announced that Globe-Union and Disney were teaming up to sell roller skates. In the previous year, Globe had applied for and received (over two other roller skate manufacturers) a license to use […]

• Globe-Union WICO Electric Acquisition

  July 10, 1956

  Globe-Union acquires WICO Electric Company July 10, 1956 (PD: 201307) On July 10, 1956, the Farm Implement News announced that Globe-Union had acquired the assets of the WICO Electric Company, one of the nation’s largest producers of ignition equipment for outboard motors, lawn mowers, farm machinery, chain saws, and other small internal combustion engines. Based in […]

• Centralab Pres … predictions or… dreams?

  November 20, 1955

  Centralab president forecasts future electronic technologies November 20, 1955 (PD: 201611) The November 20, 1955 edition of The Milwaukee Journal featured an article on Wisconsin’s electrical industry, including the Centralab division of Globe-Union (which was acquired by Johnson Controls in 1978 and sold to North American Philips Corporation two years later, in 1980). Centralab manufactured […]

• Working for the Railroad

  October 3, 1955

  Johnson Service Company installation at the Union Pacific repair shop in Salt Lake City October 3, 1955 (PD: 201210) An article in the October 3, 1955 edition of Railway Age featured Union Pacific’s new locomotive servicing and repair shop in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Johnson Service Company (the former name of Johnson Controls) supplied the […]

• Contribution to the Fight Against Polio

  April 12, 1955

  Johnson Service Company helps Eli Lilly produce Salk vaccine for polio April 12, 1955 (PD: 201204) Polio had become one of the most dreaded diseases in the United States by the early twentieth century, as thousands of people were left paralyzed by its effects.  Continuing epidemics led to a so-called “Great Race” to find a vaccine. […]

• World’s Largest Shopping Center with JSC Inside

  March 22, 1954

  Johnson Service Company’s installation in the world’s largest shopping mall March 22, 1954 (PD: 201603) On March 22, 1954, the Northland Center opened in Southfield, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit) to great fanfare and national press coverage.  At the time, it was considered the world’s largest shopping center, with over ninety stores covering about two million square […]

• Rex Vernon … dedication

  February 17, 1954

  Johnson Service Company vice president J. R. “Rex” Vernon passes away February 17, 1954 (PD: 201702) Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) vice president J. R. “Rex” Vernon passed away on February 17, 1954. Born in Madison, Wisconsin in 1895, Vernon attended the University of Wisconsin, where he received a degree in civil engineering in 1918.  […]

• USAF Texas Towers Project

  January 11, 1954

  U. S. A. F. approves construction of Texas Towers January 11, 1954 (PD: 201601) On January 11, 1954, the United States Air Force approved the construction of five Texas Towers as a part of its Air Defense System. The Texas Towers were offshore radar facilities named for their resemblance to oil-drilling rigs found along the Texas coastline […]

• Post War Branch Office Expansion

  November 19, 1953

  Johnson Service Company opens four new branches November 19, 1953 (PD: 201511) The November 19, 1953 issue of American Metal Market announced that the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) had opened four new branch offices across the nation: in Champaign, Illinois, to serve east central Illinois; in Lubbock, Texas, to serve northwestern Texas; in Miami, […]

• Johnson Controls, Alaska

  November 8, 1953

  Johnson’s sales surge in the Alaska Territory November 8, 1953 (PD: 201411) A Milwaukee Journal headline on November 8, 1953, announced “Alaska’s Building Boom Sparks Sales for Temperature Controls Firm Here.”  The article explained that the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) played a leading role in making Alaska (where temperatures range from 90 degrees […]

• Globe-Union Profit Sharing

  March 7, 1953

  Globe-Union’s Profit-Sharing and Employees’ Savings Plan March 7, 1953 (PD: 201303) A Milwaukee Sentinel article from March 7, 1953 reported that Globe-Union (the predecessor of today’s Power Solutions Business Unit) contributed $357,590 for the year 1952 to its Profit-Sharing and Employees’ Savings Plan. The Plan was established in 1949 as a way to formalize the distribution […]

• Globe-Union in Canada

  March 19, 1952

  Globe-Union opens first Canadian factory March 19, 1952 (PD: 201203) The March 19, 1952 edition of the Toronto Globe & Mail reported that Globe-Union Inc. (predecessor of Johnson Controls’ Power Solutions Business Unit) was forming a wholly owned subsidiary, Globe-Union Canada Ltd., to do business in Canada. Wyeth Allen, Globe-Union president, announced that the company’s Centralab […]

• Johnson Controls — In Diplomatic Service

  May 18, 1951

  Johnson Service Company helps diplomats keep their cool May 18, 1951 (PD: 201305) The United Nations (UN) officially opened its permanent headquarters on international territory within New York City on May 18, 1951, when it moved from temporary headquarters in Lake Success, New York. The Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) installed the thermostats used to […]

• It’s Batteries for the Future!

  April 15, 1951

  Material shortages hamper roller skate production at Globe-Union April 15, 1951 (PD: 201204) On April 15, 1951, The Milwaukee Journal reported that “Roller Skate Output Skids, Due to Materials Shortages.” According to the article, skate manufacturing at Globe-Union, Inc. (which was acquired by Johnson Controls in 1978 and was later to become today’s Power Solutions business […]

• Wm Shipley — Creator of the York Plan

  January 13, 1951

  Former York president and chairman William Shipley passes away January 13, 1951 (PD: 201701) William Shipley, York Corporation chairman of the board, died unexpectedly at the age of 71 on January 13, 1951. Shipley, who was the youngest brother of former York president Thomas Shipley, joined the York Manufacturing Company in 1900.  Shipley spent four years […]

• Duo Stats for the Home

  August 6, 1948

  Johnson Service Company introduces the “three-point controller” August 6, 1948 (PD: 201208) Although previous operations and products were directed at the commercial, public and industrial markets, the Johnson Service Company (today’s Johnson Controls) announced on August 6, 1948 that they were creating a new electronic automatic temperature control for homes and small buildings. An adaptation of the […]

• Warren Tells his story on WTMJ

  January 20, 1948

  Johnson Controls founder Warren Johnson featured on Milwaukee radio program January 20, 1948 (PD: 201701)   Milwaukee radio station WTMJ’s “Encore Echoes” program of January 20, 1948 featured Johnson Controls founder Warren Johnson as the show’s topic.  Apparently, Johnson’s story was part of the Builders of Wisconsin series on the program. The audience that evening listened […]

• Paul Johnson Passing

  March 20, 1946

  Paul Johnson, son of company founder Warren Johnson, passes away March 20, 1946 (PD: 201706) Paul F. Johnson, son of Johnson Controls founder Warren S. Johnson, died on March 20, 1946, at the age of 71. Paul Franklin Johnson, the first son of Johnson Controls’ founder Warren Johnson, was born in Wisconsin in October 1874.  […]

• Johnson (in) Service to Country

  September 16, 1944

  Johnson Service Company receives WWII production award September 16, 1944 (PD: 201509) In a letter dated September 16, 1944, Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal informed J. C. Cutler, president of the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name), that the company had won the Army-Navy “E” Award for outstanding production of materials for the country’s military […]

• Defined Benefit Retirement Plan

  August 3, 1944

  Johnson Service Company adopts employee Retirement Income Plan August 3, 1944 (PD: 201208) At a meeting on August 3, 1944, the Johnson Service Company’s Board of Directors adopted a Retirement Income Plan for salaried employees. The Plan was designed to provide income after retirement as a supplement to benefits received under the 1935 Federal Social Security Act.  […]

• “E” Award/Penn Electric Switch Co.

  February 26, 1943

  Penn Electric Switch Co. receives Army-Navy “E” Award February 26, 1943 (PD: 201202) The Goshen News-Democrat reported on February 26, 1943 that the Penn Electric Switch Co., later known as Penn Controls (and acquired by Johnson Controls in 1968), would be given the Army-Navy “E” Award for their production efforts during World War II. By 1943, the […]

• Charlie Claus, 57 years of service

  December 31, 1940

  One of the first company employees retires after 57 years of service December 31, 1940 (PD: 201612) Charlie Claus, who was one of Johnson Controls’ founder Warren Johnson’s first employees, retired after 57 years with the company on December 31, 1940. Claus was only seventeen when he joined Professor Johnson in his workshop on Milwaukee’s […]

• Largest Car Ferry … York inside

  September 18, 1940

  Launch of the largest car ferry ever built features York refrigeration September 18, 1940 (PD: 201609) The City of Midland car ferry was launched September 18, 1940 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  At the time, it was the largest car ferry ever built, with a capacity of 50 automobiles, 34 loaded freight cars, and 376 passengers.  Its length […]

• JSC at Cambridge … in church!

  July 5, 1940

  Johnson Service Company installs controls in historic Boston church July 5, 1940 (PD: 201607) The Boston Post reported on July 5, 1940 about renovations to the historic Christ Church of Cambridge, Massachusetts.  Improvements to the Church, which was founded in 1759, included removal of old furnaces and the installation of a modern heating system with Johnson […]

• JSC Booth at ASHVE 1940

  January 22, 1940

  Johnson Service Company exhibits at the Heating and Ventilating Exposition January 22, 1940 (PD: 201601) An article from the January 1940 issue of the Johnson Sales Bulletin, a Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) newsletter, describes the company’s “well received” exhibit booth at the Heating and Ventilating Exposition held from January 22 to 26, 1940 in […]

• At Disney Productions, 1939

  December 24, 1939

  The Johnson Service Company installation for Disney’s new studios December 24, 1939 (PD: 201612) Walt Disney Studios opened its new campus in Burbank, California on December 24, 1939. The Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) installed complete control systems in all of the studios, artists’ rooms, and in all of the buildings where painting […]

• Globe Radio Battery 1939

  October 12, 1939

  Globe radio battery ad in Portuguese newspaper October 12, 1939 (PD: 201210) Company involvement in the international battery business goes back a number of years, as evidenced by an October 12, 1939 advertisement for Globe-Union radio batteries in the Porto, Portugal newspaper O Primeiro de Janeiro. “Energia que nunca falta!” reads the headline of the ad, […]

• Found, the Johnson Truck Design

  June 25, 1939

  Worker discovers forgotten Warren Johnson auto design June 25, 1939 (PD: 201306) “In a forgotten corner of the Johnson Service Company’s [Johnson Controls’ former name] plant on E. Michigan St. last week, a workman discovered the design for an automobile which he recognized as the work of Prof. Warren S. Johnson, founder of the concern and […]

• Max Ullmann — 46 Years of Service!

  June 6, 1939

  Max Ullmann, early (and longtime) Johnson employee, hired on March 6, 1893 June 6, 1939 (PD: 201406) Early in the history of Johnson Controls, founder Warren Johnson was apparently personally involved in the hiring of employees.  On March 6, 1893, Warren Johnson hired Max Ullmann, a 25-year-old German immigrant, as the foreman of the factory’s woodworking […]

• Controls for the National Gallery of Art

  May 16, 1939

  Johnson Service Company climate controls help protect national art treasures May 16, 1939 (PD: 201711) The May 16, 1939 edition of The Milwaukee Sentinel reported on the Johnson Service Company’s (Johnson Controls’ former name) controls contract for the new National Gallery of Art under construction in Washington, D. C.  The Company was to fabricate all […]

• Johnson Wax, JSC & York, 1939

  April 22, 1939

  The Johnson Service Company and the York Ice Machinery Corporation keep the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Johnson Wax headquarters building comfortable April 22, 1939 (PD: 201604) On April 22, 1939, the new headquarters for Johnson Wax (the former name of S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.) was opened. Based in Racine, Wisconsin, S. C. Johnson is a global […]

• Philco Radio & Air Conditioner?

  January 1, 1939

  York signs agreement with Philco to market room air conditioners January 1, 1939 (PD: 201201) In 1935, the York Ice Machinery Corporation (later York International, which was acquired by Johnson Controls in 2005) developed the first successful single-room air conditioner. Four years later, (on January 1, 1939), York entered into an agreement with Philco Radio and […]

• Globe-Union LA Plant, 1935

  November 15, 1935

  Globe Union announces plans for a new battery plant in Los Angeles November 15, 1935 (PD: 201511) On November 15, 1935, the Globe-Union Manufacturing Co. announced plans to build a new battery manufacturing plant at 5015 District Boulevard in Los Angeles. The planned facility was part of a company expansion program for 1936 which also included plans […]

• Globe-Union Golf Club Patent

  March 29, 1932

  Great Lakes Golf clubs March 29, 1932 (PD: 201203) On March 29, 1932, the United States Patent Office issued a design patent for a golf club to Thomas Dobson and Charles B. Johnson, assignors to Globe-Union, the predecessor company to today’s Power Solutions group. The design patent notes that the characteristic feature of the club is […]

• Empire State Building/ JSC & York

  May 1, 1931

  The Empire State Building opens May 1, 1931 (PD: 201605) On May 1, 1931, the Empire State Building opened in New York City.  The art deco building has been called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” as it was the tallest building in the world upon completion, and it remained so until 1973.  Even today, the 102-story, 1,250-foot edifice […]

• Thomas Shipley — Innovator

  January 22, 1930

  York president Thomas Shipley passes away at the age of 68 January 22, 1930 (PD: 201201) The man responsible for transforming the York Ice Machinery Corporation (later York International, which was acquired by Johnson Controls in 2005) into the largest refrigeration equipment manufacturer in the nation, Thomas Shipley, died on January 22, 1930. Born on June 30, […]

• Landmark in Atlanta

  December 25, 1929

  Atlanta’s landmark Fox Theatre opens December 25, 1929 (PD: 201212) On December 25, 1929 the opulent Fox Theatre in Atlanta opened its doors for the first time. Described by a local newspaper as having “a picturesque and almost disturbing grandeur beyond imagination,” the Fox combined elements of Islamic and Egyptian architecture in a Moorish design – […]

• Great Lakes Golf 1925

  July 2, 1925

  Globe-Union inherits “Steel King” but ultimately fails to make par July 2, 1925 (PD: 201307) The predecessor company to today’s Power Solutions Business Unit, Globe-Union, manufactured a number of diverse products in its early days, including radios, roller skates, ice cream freezers, spark plugs, and, of course, batteries. They also manufactured golf clubs, after acquiring the Great […]

• McCarthy, Canadian Ambassador to the US

  April 6, 1921

  Canadian Ambassador to the U. S. had earlier role as Johnson legal representative April 6, 1921 (PD: 201204) The April 6, 1921 minutes of the Johnson Temperature Regulating Company of Canada Limited shareholders meeting show that attorney Leighton Goldie McCarthy chaired the meeting, one of many that he would lead as chief legal advisor for Johnson’s […]

• Globe Electric hires Richard Bloss

  June 11, 1917

  Last “original” Globe-Union employee to retire begins tenure with company June 11, 1917 (PD: 201606) Richard Bloss retired from Globe-Union (which merged with Johnson Controls in 1978) in January 1967 after nearly 50 years with the company. Globe-Union had its beginning as the Globe Electric Company in 1911.  It was reorganized and consolidated with two other companies in […]

• Founder Story: Penn Controls

  March 16, 1916

  In 1910, Albert Penn became a sales engineer in the Small Motors Division of the General Electric Company (GE). He worked in their Chicago office until 1915, when he was transferred to the Des Moines office. Penn set up his own company, the Electro Specialty Co., on March 15, 1916 to promote the sale of […]

• Founder Story: Hoover Universal

  March 17, 1913

  The Hoover Steel Ball Company was founded by Leander Hoover on March 17, 1913 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The tiny operation (it occupied two abandoned factory sheds) was competing against giant German steel ball manufacturers who dominated the market. However, the outbreak of World War I in 1914 saw the British naval blockade of Germany and […]

• Hoover Steel Ball Company

  The origins of Johnson Controls’ Automotive Experience Business Unit March 17, 1913 (PD: 201203) The founding of the firm that eventually would become Johnson Controls’ Automotive Experience Business Unit occurred 100 years ago this week. On March 17, 1913, Leander J. Hoover founded the Hoover Steel Ball Company in Ann Arbor, Michigan. At that time, most steel […]

• Founder Story: Globe-Union

  November 25, 1911

  Founded by G. W. Youngs, D. Decker, and J. H. Gugler in 1911, the original business of the Globe Electric Company was lighting equipment for farm, street, and railway use. As the lighting equipment business diminished in the early 1920’s, the company switched its emphasis to the production of automobile batteries. Instrumental in the success […]

• Johnson Service . . . Mail Delivery

  February 7, 1911

  U. S. Post Office renews mail delivery contract with Johnson Service Company February 7, 1911 (PD: 201202) The Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) responded to an advertisement issued by the United States Postmaster General, dated February 7, 1911, that solicited offers to continue a motorized mail service for the U. S. Post Office in […]

• Globe Electric Company

  February 1, 1911

  The early history of the Power Solutions Business Unit February 1, 1911 (PD: 201202) On February 1, 1911, three enterprising Milwaukee men, G. W. Youngs, David Decker and J. H. Gugler, formed the Globe Electric Company. The primary business of the new company was the manufacture of electrical apparatus for street lighting and street cars.  However, […]

• California — The Future Auto Market

  October 17, 1910

  Company founder Warren Johnson heads west to promote auto sales October 17, 1910 (PD: 201410) In the president’s report to the quarterly meeting of the Johnson Service Company (now Johnson Controls) board of directors, held October 17, 1910, company founder Warren Johnson announced that he was about to leave Milwaukee for a “protracted period.” The report, which discussed […]

• Johnson Auto 1910

  July 18, 1910

  Johnson auto competes in “reliability” tour July 18, 1910 (PD: 201207) A Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) “Special” touring car was one of twenty-six entrants vying for the Milwaukee Sentinel Trophy in the Wisconsin State Automobile Association’s First Annual Reliability Contest held from July 18 to 23, 1910. The tour began at 7 a. […]

• JSC at the Ritz-Carlton in 1909

  November 27, 1909

  The Johnson Service Company helps New Yorkers “put on the Ritz” November 27, 1909 (PD: 201211) An entry dated November 27, 1909 in the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) New York City branch contract register makes record of an installation at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Manhattan for $1,350. In 1910, the new hotel opened […]

• JSC 1908 — In the Tallest!

  May 1, 1908

  Johnson Service Company installs system in world’s tallest building May 1, 1908 (PD: 201205) On May 1, 1908, the Singer Sewing Machine Company opened its new building on Broadway in New York City.  In the prior year, the New York branch of the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) installed 128 thermostats and 160 valves […]

• Automobile Business Frustration

  June 10, 1907

  Company president Warren Johnson pushes for a new automobile company June 10, 1907 (PD: 201206) Johnson Controls’ founder Warren S. Johnson called a special meeting of the company’s board of directors on June 10, 1907.  The meeting minutes, which recorded discussions about both the company’s temperature regulation and automobile businesses, noted that Johnson spoke at length […]

• W. Fenn Partnership for Business in Canada

  January 1, 1907

  Warren Johnson and William Fenn form partnership for Canadian business January 1, 1907 (PD: 201201) January 1 marks the 106th anniversary of an important partnership made by Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) founder Warren S. Johnson regarding Company business in Canada. On that date in 1907, Johnson signed an agreement with William A. Fenn, […]

• Akasaka Palace Project, Japan

  February 28, 1906

  Johnson Service Company’s installation for Japanese royalty February 28, 1906 (PD: 201202) On February 28, 1906, the Johnson Service Company’s (Johnson Controls’ former name) New York office issued its final bill (amounting to $552) for installations at Japan’s Palace of the Imperial Prince, now known as the Akasaka Detached Palace, Japan’s state guest house in Tokyo. […]

• Automotive Patents — 5th Wheel?

  February 20, 1906

  Warren Johnson receives two automotive-related patents February 20, 1906 (PD: 201202) On February 20, 1906, Johnson Controls’ founder Warren S. Johnson received two separate patents for automotive design.  Patent number 813,098, a steam generator, was intended to both generate steam quickly and superheat it. Another design element was the minimum amount of space the generator occupied.  […]

• 1905 — When Wireless was really new . . .

  August 1, 1905

  Charles Fortier receives patent for wireless technology August 1, 1905 (PD: 201408) Charles L. Fortier was granted patent no. 796,403 for his improvement to electric wave telegraph receivers on August 1, 1905. The patent was granted while Fortier, an inventor and former telegraph operator, was with the American Wireless Telegraph Company (AWTC), a business he co-founded […]

• U.S. Capitol Project 1905

  June 15, 1905

  Johnson Service Company installs temperature regulation system in U. S. Capitol June 15, 1905 (PD: 201206) An entry from the Johnson Service Company’s (Johnson Controls’ former name) Philadelphia branch contract book dated June 15, 1905 lists an installation in both the Senate and House wings of the U. S. Capitol in Washington, D. C. The contract […]

• At the War College 1905

  May 31, 1905

  Johnson Service Company installation at the United States Army War College May 31, 1905 (PD: 201205) A Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) contract ledger from the Philadelphia branch office indicates that an installation worth $2,790 (the equivalent of about $70,201 in today’s dollars) was made at the United States Army War College in Washington, […]

• Witness to Warsaw Rebellion 1905

  April 14, 1905

  Johnson Service Company employee witnesses Warsaw rebellion April 14, 1905 (PD: 201404) An article in the April 14, 1905 issue of The Evening Wisconsin recounted the story of William Gehrs, a Johnson Service Company engineer who had found himself in the midst of a revolutionary uprising in Warsaw, Poland (then part of the Russian Empire). The uprising […]

• Floral Clock a Hit at World’s Fair!

  July 24, 1904

  Chinese Prince Pu Lun impressed by Johnson floral clock at World’s Fair July 24, 1904 (PD: 201207) An article from the July 24, 1904 edition of the Chicago Record-Herald announced “Chinese Prince Puts Floral Curiosity at Fair Above the President.” The article explained that Chinese Prince Pu Lun, nephew of the Empress Dowager, went back to China with […]

• Refrigeration Standards — Grow an Industry!

  September 16, 1903

  York’s Thomas Shipley leads push to standardize refrigeration industry September 16, 1903 (PD: 201711) Thomas Shipley, the man responsible for transforming the York Ice Machinery Corporation (later York International, which was acquired by Johnson Controls in 2005) into the largest refrigeration equipment manufacturer in the nation, was also instrumental in standardizing the refrigeration industry. Shipley […]

• The Clock Business 1903

  August 19, 1903

  Construction begins on great floral clock for 1904 World’s Fair August 1, 1903 (PD: 201711) The August 1, 1903, edition of the New York Evening Post reported that work had begun on the mammoth floral clock designed by Johnson Service Company’s (Johnson Controls’ former name) founder and president Warren Johnson for the St. Louis World’s […]

• They got it right the 2nd time!

  March 29, 1903

  Johnson Service Company headquarters suffers collapse during construction March 29, 1903 (PD: 201203) On March 29, 1903, the Milwaukee Sentinel newspaper reported the collapse of the front top third of the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) headquarters, which was under construction on the southeast corner of Jefferson and Michigan Streets. The crash could be […]

• 507 E Michigan HQ — A start!

  December 16, 1902

  President Warren Johnson spurs building contractor on new company headquarters December 16, 1902 (PD: 201612) On December 16, 1902, company president Warren Johnson called a special meeting of the Johnson Service Company (Johnson Controls’ former name) board of directors. Johnson wanted the board to meet the architect, Mr. Esser, and the contractor, Mr. Monsted, for […]

• New Name “Johnson Service”

  June 30, 1902

  “Johnson Electric Service” becomes “Johnson Service” June 30, 1902 (PD: 201206) The company’s name change from “Johnson Electric Service Company” to “Johnson Service Company” occurred 111 years ago, at a board meeting on June 30, 1902 in Milwaukee. At its founding in 1885, the company name included the word “electric,” yet in the ensuing 17 years, […]

• Tanks for Miller Beer 1901

  Johnson Electric Service Company helps Miller Brewing get tanked May 11, 1901 (PD: 201205) A Johnson Electric Service Company (today’s Johnson Controls) sales contract ledger entry from May 11, 1901 indicates a sale of two pasteurizing tanks to Miller Brewing Company of Milwaukee. Although Johnson Controls’ history is generally associated with temperature regulation systems and devices, […]

• Meet Seymour Johnson

  Birth of Seymour Johnson, grandson of Warren Johnson and longtime company board member May 7, 1901 (PD: 201205) Seymour F. Johnson, the grandson of Johnson Controls’ founder Warren Johnson, was born in Milwaukee on May 7, 1901.  The only son of Paul Johnson (Warren’s first son), Seymour Johnson spent his childhood in Milwaukee and, later, moved […]

• Warren’s Carburetor

  Warren Johnson’s “Gasoleum Machine” April 23, 1901 (PD: 201204) Johnson Controls’ founder Warren Johnson is remembered mainly for his invention of the temperature-regulating apparatus that served as the basis for what is now a Fortune 100 company. However, his restless inventiveness was not limited to the field of temperature regulation, as he invented a wide range […]

• Humidostat — New Technology

  Warren Johnson’s “20th century invention” – the “humidostat” January 13, 1901 (PD: 201201) A Milwaukee Sentinel article from January 13, 1901 announced a “twentieth century invention” created by Johnson Controls’ founder Warren Johnson. The invention referred to was the “humidostat,” a device that measured the moisture content of indoor air in order to increase or decrease […]

• Paris World’s Fair

  Company founder receives silver medal at the Paris World’s Fair August 18, 1900 (PD: 201208) At the beginning of 1900, Johnson Controls’ founder Warren Johnson established, along with fellow inventor Charles Fortier, the American Wireless Telegraph Company (AWTC) to develop and market Johnson’s experiments in the field of wireless telegraphy. A few months later, one of […]

• Business Model Pivot in 1900!

  The Johnson Electric Service Co. reincorporates June 25, 1900 (PD: 201711) On June 25, 1900, August H. Vogel, Amos A. L. Smith, and company founder Warren S. Johnson signed the Johnson Electric Service Company’s (as Johnson Controls was then known) Articles of Association, beginning the process of reincorporation in the state of Wisconsin for the […]

• Silver for Warren and Charles — Bronze for Guglielmo!

  Warren Johnson’s wireless communication experiments November 28, 1899 (PD: 201411) The St. John’s Daily Sun of New Brunswick, Canada, reported on November 28, 1899 that Professor Warren S. Johnson (the founder of Johnson Controls) and Charles L. Fortier made several successful tests of their wireless telegraph equipment in Milwaukee’s Plankinton House Hotel. They were able to […]

• James Hamilton – Mechanic in Canada

  Johnson Electric Service Company Toronto City Hall installation August 21, 1897 (PD: 201408) On August 21, 1897, a Johnson Electric Service Company (Johnson Controls’ original name) contract employee named James Hamilton began installation of a Johnson temperature regulating system in the Toronto City Hall then under construction. Hamilton earned 15 cents per hour for the installation work.  For the […]

• Controls for the Tallest Building in the U.S. for less than $5,000!

  Johnson Electric Service Co.’s installations in Milwaukee’s City Hall December 4, 1894 (PD: 201212) On December 4, 1894, the Johnson Electric Service Co. (Johnson Controls’ original name) contracted with the City of Milwaukee to provide a heating regulation system for the new City Hall.  The contract, at $4,972, was one of the company’s largest up until […]

• Luxury 1894 Style!

  Westinghouse chooses Johnson temperature control system October 23, 1894 (PD: 201210) Many elite families and captains of industry in the last decade of the nineteenth century became customers of the Johnson Electric Service Company (Johnson Controls’ original name). In that period, the new temperature control systems offered by the company were considered luxury items for residential […]

• Johnson at Harvard, 1894

  Johnson Electric Service Co. installs temperature control system in Harvard’s Fogg Art Museum July 16, 1894 (PD: 201207) On July 16, 1894, Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts purchased a Johnson Electric Service Co. (Johnson Controls’ original name) heat regulating system to be installed in their new Fogg Art Museum.  Contract number 1558 was valued at $906 […]

• Pabst Hotel & Great Beer!

  Company installation in Milwaukee’s Pabst Hotel August 18, 1891 (PD: 201711)   On August 18, 1891, the Pabst Brewing Company of Milwaukee contracted with the Johnson Electric Service Co. for a $1,450 installation of temperature control equipment at its Pabst Hotel in downtown Milwaukee. Captain Frederick Pabst, president of the company that bore his name, presumably […]

• JESC, Schlitz Brewery, … & Chicago?

  JESC installation for the Schlitz Brewing Company February 7, 1890 (PD: 201602) A ledger entry in a Johnson Electric Service Company (Johnson Controls’ initial name) contract book, dated February 7, 1890, notes a heat regulation installation made at an office building of the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company in Milwaukee.  The contract amounted to $550 and was scheduled to […]

• Warren Johnson/Railroad Venture Capitalist

  Johnson Controls founder Warren Johnson’s Milwaukee railway investment September 12, 1889 (PD: 201409) The Milwaukee Sentinel reported about “electric railway fever” back on September 12, 1889. The Milwaukee & Wauwatosa Motor Railway company had just been formed to create a route connecting Milwaukee and its neighboring city to the west, Wauwatosa. Among the incorporators of this new firm […]

• Pabst Home/Contract #1316

  Johnson installs temperature regulation system for Milwaukee beer baron Pabst May 25, 1889 (PD: 201205) On May 25, 1889, the Johnson Electric Service Company (Johnson Controls’ initial name) sold contract number 1316 to Captain Frederick Pabst for installation of a temperature regulation system in his soon-to-be-built home. Pabst was originally a ship captain who married Maria […]

• Draftsman — Frank Lloyd Wright!

  Young Frank Lloyd Wright’s Connection August 31, 1887 (PD: 201308) A Johnson Electric Service Company (Johnson Controls’ original name) contract ledger from the company’s first decade of business contains an entry dated August 31, 1887, in the amount of $2,160, for an installation in Science Hall, a new building on the campus of the University of […]

• Joseph Cutler, profile

  Johnson Service Company’s fourth president Joseph Cutler is born November 29, 1886 (PD: 201611) Joseph Cutler, the fourth president of the Johnson Service Company (later Johnson Controls), was born on November 29, 1886, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin’s College of Engineering in 1909.  That same […]

• NML — Great Customer!

  Early temperature control installation at Northwestern Mutual January 27, 1886 (PD: 201301) One of Johnson Controls’ earliest temperature control installations occurred at another venerable Milwaukee company, The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. Founded in 1857, Northwestern Mutual is, today, the nation’s largest direct provider of individual life insurance. On January 27, 1886, less than a year after the […]

• Sales Agreement 1885

  Johnson Electric Service Co. agreement with Hazen Mooers July 8, 1885 (PD: 201407) On July 8, 1885, the recently incorporated Johnson Electric Service Co. (JESC) signed a revised sales distribution agreement with Hazen Mooers of Milwaukee. The original agreement of April 11, 1885, which pre-dated the organization of the JESC on May 1, gave Mr. Mooers […]

• The Setting of Warren’s Salary

  Company founder Warren Johnson’s salary set July 1, 1885 (PD: 201207) At the Johnson Electric Service Co.’s (Johnson Controls’ first name) board of directors meeting on July 1, 1885, a salary of $2,500 per annum for Warren Johnson was agreed for his duties as vice president, treasurer, and general manager of the company. The salary, which […]

• Articles of Association 1885

  Johnson Electric Service Company officers sign first articles of association April 20, 1885 (PD: 201204) On April 20, 1885, Johnson Controls’ founder Warren S. Johnson (the inventor of the Johnson system of temperature regulation), William Plankinton (a Milwaukee hotelier and financier) and Civil War veteran Captain Irving M. Bean subscribed to the articles of association of […]

• Value of IP, from the Beginning

  Company founder Warren Johnson’s patent rights agreement June 5, 1884 (PD: 201606) On June 5, 1884, Johnson Controls’ founder Warren Johnson transferred, in part, a patent he was granted for “temperature regulating valves” to his business partner William Plankinton. The two men had founded the Milwaukee Electric Manufacturing Co. the year before in order to develop, manufacture, and […]

• W. S. Johnson First Patented Invention

  Company founder Warren Johnson’s first patented invention – the “electric tele-thermoscope,” July 24, 1883 (PD: 201207) Warren Johnson was granted his first patent on July 24, 1883 for the “electric tele-thermoscope,” an electric room thermostat. This device was actually only one component of a system devised by Johnson that was to radically change how temperature was controlled within […]

• Paul Johnson, MIT grad & Engineer

  Company founder Warren Johnson’s first son Paul born October 13, 1874 (PD: 201510) On October 13, 1874, Paul Franklin Johnson, the first son of Johnson Controls’ founder Warren Johnson, was born in Downsville, Wisconsin. Johnson began working in his father’s business at the age of 13, well before his graduation from M. I. T. in 1898 with […]

• Founder Story: York International

  Although the York Manufacturing Company (later York International) was founded on September 7, 1874, Thomas Shipley, the man responsible for transforming it into the largest refrigeration equipment manufacturer in the nation, did not join the company until 1897. Born on June 30, 1861, Shipley grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he helped support […]

• York Mfg.: 1st Stockholder’s Meeting

  The York Manufacturing Company’s first stockholders meeting September 7, 1874 (PD: 201209) The York Manufacturing Company (later York International, which was acquired by Johnson Controls in 2005) held its first stockholders meeting on September 7, 1874. Stephen Morgan Smith was elected the first president of the newly formed company.  Smith contributed two patents for his “Success” […]

• Warren Johnson, Surveyor

  Company founder Warren Johnson’s days as Dunn County, Wisconsin surveyor June 15, 1874 (PD: 201206) On June 15, 1874, Warren Johnson began his 22nd land survey of Dunn County in northwestern Wisconsin. Before his illustrious career as an inventor and businessman, the founder of Johnson Controls tried his hand at a variety of occupations, including farming, […]

• William Plankinton, profile

  Johnson Electric Service Company’s first president, William Plankinton, is born November 7, 1844 (PD: 201411) The first president of the Johnson Electric Service Company, William Plankinton, was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania on November 7, 1844. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Milwaukee, where his father John began a meat-packing business that made him one […]