History of Simplex Johnson Controls
Simplex Time Recorder Company (founded in the 1890s)
Originally known for time clocks and later fire alarm systems.
Developed the Simplex fire alarm product line. [en.wikipedia.org]
SimplexGrinnell
In 2001, Tyco acquired Simplex Time Recorder and merged it with Grinnell Fire Protection, creating SimplexGrinnell. [en.wikipedia.org]
This was the name many of us in the fire industry remember during the 4100U era and early 4100ES years. [en.wikipedia.org]
Johnson Controls
In 2016, Johnson Controls merged with Tyco. After that transaction, SimplexGrinnell became part of Johnson Controls. [en.wikipedia.org]
In 2017, Johnson Controls retired the SimplexGrinnell company branding and transitioned the service business to Johnson Controls. [en.wikipedia.org], [simplexgri...lstore.com]
What is the correct name today?
Depending on the context:
Manufacturer/Brand: Simplex [firedetect...ntrols.com], [simplexfire.com]
Parent Company: Johnson Controls [firedetect...ntrols.com], [johnsoncontrols.com]
Service/Contracting Business: Johnson Controls (formerly SimplexGrinnell) [en.wikipedia.org], [simplexgri...lstore.com]
So when writing a spec or discussing equipment, the most accurate wording is usually:
Simplex fire alarm systems manufactured by Johnson Controls.
Or:
Johnson Controls Simplex brand fire alarm equipment.
For example:
4100ES = Simplex fire alarm control panel.
TrueAlarm = Simplex detector family.
TrueAlert ES = Simplex notification appliances.
ES Net = Simplex network.
All are marketed today under the Simplex brand and backed by Johnson Controls. [firedetect...ntrols.com], [simplexfire.com]
As a JCI employee, when someone asks "Who makes Simplex?", I usually answer:
"Simplex is the fire alarm product brand. Johnson Controls is the company that owns and manufactures it."
Here in the Salt Lake Office we sell:
Simplex Mass Notification Systems
Simplex Networked Fire Alarm Systems
Simplex Fire Alarm Systems
Area of Refuge Systems / Two Way Voice
We integrate Smoke Control Systems
We can do test and inspections on Fire Alarm, Fire Sprinkler Systems and Fire extinguishers
JCI Johnson Controls Fire Protection - Hospitals - Data Centers, Airports and Large Buildings
Our Security Division is in the same office that we are in and their name is Johnson Controls Security Solutions.
In the same office we also have our HVAC division Johnson Controls.