Johnson Controls

Uniting Two Global Brands

Project Overview

In 2016, Johnson Controls made global headlines in its merger with Tyco. This move united two global brands, both of which represented dozens of individual product lines and brands within the HVAC, security and fire suppression space.

The Challenge

After division leaders developed a strategy of how to integrate Johnson Controls and Tyco’s many brands, services and lines of business, leadership identified a need to roll out the new integration strategy to company leaders, field representatives, employees, support staff and the media across Johnson Control’s North American footprint.

Identifying the need for a “short-term, heavy lift,” Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls representatives from the Building Solutions, North America division engaged Mueller Communications to assist with strategizing, developing and executing a significant communications program announcing the integration of its operations.

The Solution

Mueller Communications was key in helping develop the foundational, strategic elements for the communications initiative, including guiding principles, the mission and vision behind why the integration of these two brands was critical, as well as creative concepts through which to present and sustain the programs. For six months following the announcement of the merger, the companies essentially still operated as separate entities, so it was critical to articulate why the integration was necessary in a way that won the hearts and minds of the North America audiences, including employees and contractors, who would be working within the new integrated structure.

Mueller Communications identified members of the communications team and articulated the role each would play in developing this confidential plan and quickly rolling it out to thousands of team members across several countries and in several languages. Mueller Communications developed an audience segmentation plan, identified important internal and external parties, key messages/messengers, and communications channels that would resonate with each.

Tactical elements included development of materials and touch-points such as:

Creative-concepting for roll out messages;
Presentations, handouts and leadership training through Area General Manager and Area Management Team meetings;
“Change Champion” briefings and materials;
Infographics and videos;
Field conference calls and corresponding graphics, visuals and power point messages;
Articles for the company intranet portals;
Organizational announcements;
News releases;
In-house and office signage;
Toolkits including FAQs; and
Surveys.

The Results

Leaders, employees and field team members gave high praise for the way in which the program was rolled out, specifically stating that after the rollout, they understood the expectations around company growth and the goals needed to achieve it, which was a key objective of the rollout strategy. Due to the collaborative partnership of the Mueller Communications team on this project, the agency was retained by Johnson Controls as ongoing communications support for the Johnson Controls’ Building Solutions, North America organization.

Mueller Communications was key in helping develop the foundational, strategic elements for the communications initiative, including guiding principles, the mission and vision behind why the integration of these two brands was critical, as well as creative concepts through which to present and sustain the programs. For six months following the announcement of the merger, the companies essentially still operated as separate entities, so it was critical to articulate why the integration was necessary in a way that won the hearts and minds of the North America audiences, including employees and contractors, who would be working within the new integrated structure.

Mueller Communications identified members of the communications team and articulated the role each would play in developing this confidential plan and quickly rolling it out to thousands of team members across several countries and in several languages. Mueller Communications developed an audience segmentation plan, identified important internal and external parties, key messages/messengers, and communications channels that would resonate with each.

Tactical elements included development of materials and touch-points such as:

Creative-concepting for roll out messages;
Presentations, handouts and leadership training through Area General Manager and Area Management Team meetings;
“Change Champion” briefings and materials;
Infographics and videos;
Field conference calls and corresponding graphics, visuals and power point messages;
Articles for the company intranet portals;
Organizational announcements;
News releases;
In-house and office signage;
Toolkits including FAQs; and
Surveys.