Johnson Controls to acquire Gordon Brothers

US building automation company Johnson Controls has announced that it will acquire century-plus-year-old industrial refrigeration specialist Gordon Brothers Industries for an undisclosed sum.

In a statement on Wednesday, Johnson Controls said the definitive agreement with the Australian company would strengthen its presence in the region, and see GBI staff trained to design and engineer, select, and price Johnson Controls equipment for its IR and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)” installations. 

“As a leader in industrial refrigeration solutions in Australia, GBI represents a strong strategic fit for Johnson Controls, as we look to create value for our local stakeholders and customers,” said Anu Rathninde, Johnson’s Asia Pacific president.

Among GBI’s sites is a Bendigo factory (pictured), which was established in the 1980s.

According to its website, the site has “pressure vessel manufacturing capability, process pipe & pressure pipe spooling manufacturing and installation” operations, as well as electrical design, drafting and engineering expertise.

GBI services markets including convenience food, dairy, gas, chemical, mine cooling and cold storage.

The company was established in 1917. Among chapters in its long history was being purchased by engineering services business Hastie Group in 2006. Hastie collapsed in 2012, and was sold by receivers to the GBI management team and the former owner Ian Sleeth.

Picture: credit Gordon Brothers Industries