Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls has expanded remarkably since Professor Warren Johnson founded the company to manufacture his invention, the electric room thermostat. Since its start in 1885, Johnson Controls has grown into a multi-billion dollar corporation, with worldwide leadership in two businesses: automotive systems and building controls. Fundamental to this success is the Johnson Controls mission to continually exceed customers' increasing expectations. We focus on innovation and commit to continuous improvements in quality, service, productivity and time compression. We believe that if we go beyond what customers expect, customers will return again and again, asking Johnson Controls to further contribute to their success. That's why, in both of its businesses, Johnson Controls is doing more for its customers than it did just a few years ago. Following Johnson's death, Harry W. Ellis is elected president and sells all the firm's operations except for the controls business. Johnson Service goes public with an over-the-counter listing on the NASDAQ system. Johnson introduces the JC/80, the first minicomputer system that manages building controls. To diversify, the company merges with Globe-Union Inc., the nation's largest maker of automotive batteries. Johnson Controls completes two major acquisitions: Hoover Universal, Inc., a major supplier of seating and plastic parts for automobiles and a new entrant in the plastic-container industry; and Ferro Manufacturing Corporation, supplier of automotive seating components and mechanisms. Pan Am World Services, Inc., provider of facility management services for military bases, airports, and space centers, is acquired. Johnson acquires Roth Frères SA, a French supplier of automotive seating and interior systems. Company pays $1.3 billion for Holland, Michigan-based Prince Automotive, supplier of automotive interior systems and components. Johnson acquires Becker Group, Inc., a supplier of interior systems in both North America and Europe. Source: International Directory of Company Histories , Vol.59. St. James Press, 2004.