Johnson Controls

I am proud of how Johnson Controls is leading the way in sustainable innovation and I am particularly proud of how OpenBlue solutions and services are transforming buildings to help businesses, communities and governments to reach their net zero goals.

Eamonn Hughes

Vice President and General Manager of Johnson Controls Ireland

Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls develops building systems such as fire detection, security, refrigeration and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It’s been in business for over 140 years and today, operates in more than 150 countries, employing over 100,000 people. 

Committing to Ireland

In its current form, Johnson Controls’ story in Ireland began with the Global Business Services Centre being announced for Cork city in 2014. The company had previous links to the area through its subsidiary Sensormatic which set up a presence in 1994. 

Johnson Controls chose Cork for its educated workforce, particularly in technology and pharmaceuticals; a favourable business environment with competitive operating costs compared to other major European cities; and infrastructure, including a well-connected airport and seaport. 

In 2016, the company merged with Tyco International to create Johnson Controls International plc. JCI then placed its global headquarters in Cork. Ireland serves as a strategic hub for Johnson Controls’ European operations. The site at One Albert Quay hosts employees from 27 different nationalities across many functions including finance, HR, IT, legal, procurement, supply chain, engineering and more.

Since then, JCI has made substantial investments in R&D in Ireland, particularly in smart building technologies, collaborating with local universities and research institutions. 

In 2022, the company opened an OpenBlue Innovation Centre at its Cork HQ. With funding from the Irish government through IDA Ireland, the site carries out R&D into sustainable technology and solutions for the built environment. 

The premises hosts eco building features such as rainwater that’s harvested and treated, solar-reflective energy-efficient glazing, intelligent lighting systems, smart lift integration and EV charging for electric vehicles. 

Today, there are close to 867 JCI employees across the Island of Ireland. In 2021, JCI also acquired several brands across Ireland including Silent Aire, Airflow and Provisional Sprinklers.

How Ireland helps Johnson Controls

• Newly merged company designated Ireland as global HQ in 2016
• JCI employs more than 860 people in Ireland, across multiple functions
• The company has made several strategic acquisitions in Ireland
• In 2022, the HQ opened a new R&D facility focused on sustainable technologies