1. Johnson Controls
  2. Our Company
  3. Celebrating 140 years

Celebrating 140 years

Anniversary of excellence

Our company has been the innovation leader, transforming and shaping the industry for 140 years. Marking a legacy of innovation and leadership in smart, safe, healthy, and sustainable solutions, our anniversary celebrates decades of progress made possible by our dedicated teams, loyal customers, and visionary industry pioneers.

Celebrating 140 years of innovation leadership

As we mark this milestone, we remain focused on what's ahead -- driving the next era of transforming industries and powering our customers' missions.

Leading the way with industry firsts

From these historic milestones to transforming the future of buildings with award-winning AI technologies, we continue to set new standards and push the boundaries of what’s possible.​

1881

Built the first automatic sprinkler

1883

Invented the first room thermostat

1924

Engineered the first air-conditioned commercial building

1986

Engineered the first security panel with a remote arming keypad

1990

Introduced the first building automation system
From Frank Sinatra to Billie Eilish, the story of Capitol Records headquarters spans generations – and it’s still being told. We have our own 140-year story full of icons and innovation. This is where the two stories combine.

Our big break in Hollywood

In the 1950s, we delivered HVAC and controls in the Capital Records building where reliable, quiet operation is essential.

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In 1908, the Singer Building rose above New York as the world’s tallest skyscraper – and one of the smartest. With its 1,200 thermostats and 1,800 valves, the pioneering temperature system installed by Johnson Controls set a groundbreaking new standard for intelligent, responsive architecture.

Can the world’s tallest skyscraper also be smart? Ernest Flagg said yes – back in 1908

The architect of the sky, Ernest Flagg didn’t only make the Singer Building in New York the tallest in the world, he made it intelligent too. All 45 stories were installed with Johnson Controls pioneering temperature system. This was smart thinking, even back in 1908. And our 140-year story of innovation continues to this day.

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Frederick Grinnell

Meet Frederick Grinnell, the man who could tame fire

One idea. Global impact. Explore how Grinnell’s genius invention has shaped fire protection technology since the 19th century and led to the creation of a gold standard in fire safety regulations that have safeguarded millions of people then - and still do today.

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Celebrating 150 years of Johnson Controls YORK

Celebrating 150 years of Johnson Controls YORK

In a year where we’re celebrating 140 years of Johnson Controls, we’re also proud to mark 150 years of Johnson Controls York products with engineering excellence that’s defined industries and shaped the future of comfort. From revolutionizing air conditioning to pioneering energy-efficient HVAC solutions, we have been at the forefront of incredible inventions that have shaped our world.

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UN headquarters

Vintage turned visionary at the United Nations

Built in the 1950s, the United Nations HQ dazzled with its modernist design – but it was the pioneering climate control technology behind the scenes that ushered in the age of smart buildings.

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Social Media JCI140_D4

How Warren Johnson invented the world's first room thermostat

Learn how Warren Johnson's invention of the thermostat revolutionized temperature control and continues to impact the world today. From the first electric thermostat to smart building technologies, Johnson Controls builds on a legacy of excellence and innovation.

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People packing polio vaccines

Pioneering progress: Our role in the polio vaccine

In the fight against polio, precision saved lives. Johnson Controls helped make the life-saving polio vaccine possible by maintaining a steady 96°F, a critical temperature for production. Our systems delivered the consistency required to protect millions. That same commitment drives us today, creating smarter, safer environments that support health and innovation around the world.

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Edison partnership in innovation

What happens when a visionary inventor meets a master engineer?

Over 140 years ago, in the Age of Invention, Thomas Edison’s chemical brilliance joined forces with Grinnell’s engineering genius to create the quartz bulb sprinkler head—a breakthrough that redefined fire protection forever.

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Thomas Edison with the Grinnell fitters who installed the sprinklers.

The trust our customers place in us helps build strong partnerships that drive their success.

These partnerships enable us to deliver innovative solutions tailored to their needs. Discover how we've made a difference in their stories below.​

Children’s of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

In partnership with Children's of Alabama, Johnson Controls modernized critical infrastructure - cutting natural gas use by 69% and delivered major cost savings, all while enhancing patient comfort and reliability across the hospital campus.
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Children’s of Alabama hospital, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

Johnson Controls helps City of La Crosse exceed energy savings targets

Johnson Controls has been working with the City of La Crosse on a multi-phase sustainability initiative that has already generated significant energy and cost savings.
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A close up of one of the City of La Crosse's new solar arrays
Building on a long history of innovation, Johnson Controls has helped shape the evolution of buildings, leading the way to the future.

A history of innovation

Our story: From then to now

A journey through our milestones, shaping who we are today. Each step reflects our commitment to innovation and excellence, driving progress forward

The innovation does not stop here. We look forward to the next journey of smart buildings into an era of autonomy, transforming industries, and powering our customers' missions.

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Award winning organization

Recognized for innovation, customer impact, and our industry-leading smart building platform, we continue to set new standards in excellence.

Ethisphere Names Johnson Controls as One of the World's Most Ethical Companies, Marking 18 Years on the List

Ethisphere names Johnson Controls as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies, marking 18 years on the list.

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Poster honoring Johnson Controls with the 2024 Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award, awarded by The Business Intelligence Group

Johnson Controls Honored in 2024 Artificial Intelligence Excellence Awards.

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Johnson Controls Named to BuiltWorlds 2024 Global Innovators List

Johnson Controls named to BuiltWorlds 2024 Global Innovators List.

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