Johnson Controls has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Gordon Brothers Industries (GBI), Australia’s largest industrial refrigeration (IR) solutions provider of refrigeration system design, construction, services and parts.
The addition of GBI will further strengthen Johnson Controls’ growth in the region and beyond.
Johnson Controls Asia Pacific president, Anu Rathninde, said the acquisition will ensure that Australian businesses are served by the best technology.
“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,” he said.
Through this acquisition, customers will benefit from an expanded product and services mix with more offerings and coverage for local services and installations, including a range of energy-efficient products using low and ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants.
GBI’s team will be trained to design and engineer, select, and price Johnson Controls equipment for its IR and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Its technology team will also undergo specialised training in installation, commission, and service of Johnson Controls’ products.
Gordon Brothers Industries managing director, Keith McLean, said this acquisition is a major step forward for Gordon Brothers and its customers.
“Joining forces adds to the business’ competitive advantage by tapping on Johnson Controls’ connected service capability to GBI’s overall portfolio,” McLean said.
“This will allow us to offer an even wider range of high-quality products and services and provide customers the support they need to achieve their business and sustainability goals."
With more than 100 years of history, GBI has developed IR solutions for a wide range of industries including convenience foods, dairy, distribution centres, gas and chemical, beverage, brewery, cold storage, confectionery, meat processing, mine cooling, pharmaceutical, and seafood.
It also specialises in low-charge ammonia refrigerant systems, incorporating both low and ultra-low GWP refrigerants in projects to provide the most efficient and sustainable solutions for customers.
Johnson Controls has been in Australia since 1965. The acquisition will considerably expand localised assembly capacity in Food & Beverage, Mining, and New Energy markets, adding substantial capability to GBI’s existing offerings.
Going forward, the business will be comprised of four new divisions: York Process Systems, Gas Compression, Navy, and Sustainability.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Financial details were not disclosed.