CO Armagh security tech firm Envision Intelligent Solutions has been acquired by the listed Irish-American conglomerate Johnson Controls for an undisclosed sum.
Set-up in 2010 by Philip Murdock, the Lurgan-based business specialises in the rapid deployment of CCTV, facial recognition security turnstiles and monitoring and alarm operations.
Its technology has been deployed for infrastructure and construction projects, with offices in London and the north east of England.
Envision Intelligent Solutions’ high profile projects include supplying its innovative drone technology for the HS2 rail project in England.
The firm, which employs around 60 people, previously said that work in particular had sparked significant interest in its innovative security solutions, and it has steadily increased its presence in the United States over the past five years, establishing an operational base in Boston in 2017.
Johnson Controls traces its roots to 19th century Wisconsin. In 2016 it merged with security group Tyco International.
Originally based in Princeton, New Jersey, Tyco relocated its headquarters to Cork in 2014 and became an Irish-domiciled company.
Cork remains the global headquarters for the merged entity, now called Johnson Controls International plc, which employs around 100,000 people worldwide.
The group said its decision to buy Envision Intelligent Solutions ‘provides an optimal combination for future growth and opportunities to enhance existing customer relationships, whilst further modernising and streamlining technology-led estate strategies’.
Commenting on the acquisition, Envision Intelligent Solutions’ founder Philip Murdock said: “After ten extremely successful years Envision is excited to join the Johnsons Controls family to embark on developing new products and services and entering the next chapter of growth for the business.
“Johnson Controls is a perfect fit for Envision, with its global reach and innovative spirit, it will provide the opportunity for our work to reach new vertical segments and produce more dynamic and innovative security products and services in a modern age.”
Richard Jones, who is general manager for fire and security within Johnson Controls’ UK and Irish operation, said: “Envision is an award-winning innovator in the security space, with strong customer relationships, that complement our UK security business.
“Envision’s expert team and its innovative security solutions will enhance the connected security solutions we can offer our customers and provide fantastic opportunities to realise increased security alongside the benefits that holistic digital transformation strategies provide.”
