A global leader in providing integrated facilities management solutions, Johnson Controls Inc. (JC) has joined forces with local corporation Kagiso Property Holdings (KPH) to establish Johnson Controls Facilities Management (Pty) Ltd (JCFM). 

Managing director, Kura Chihota says the company is, "the product of two years of negotiation between shareholders who share values and a singular determination to build an entity poised to earn the right to be regarded as the preferred facilities management partner for southern Africa's major corporations."

JCFM is 60% held by JC and 40% by KPH. Executive chairperson John Reed says that this shareholding structure is a major deviation for JC internationally. "Johnson Controls operates a US$21 billion business in more than 100 countries and would rarely consider any venture in which it holds less than 100% of the equity. For JC, the deal is tangible evidence of the company's commitment to socio-economic transformation; broad-based black economic empowerment and technology transfer in southern Africa, while simultaneously being geared towards satisfying customer and shareholder expectations. The latter is important," says Reed, "as we are passionate about building on the base JC has created, to achieve our targets by earning respect for great work as opposed to churning quantity."

At the same time, Reed says that "Kagiso's empowerment credentials are impeccable and the company has enjoyed repeated success in global partnerships. JC is most pleased to have concluded this arrangement."
Chihota concurs. According to him, JCFM is a direct consequence of Kagiso's strategy to accelerate its facilities management growth by gaining access to a globally established operating model in the sector. "Recognising that facilities management is one of the fastest growing multi-billion dollar sectors in the world, we're charting a course for the company that is intent on ensuring that by offering an ISO 9001 accredited facilities management system we build upon the current substantial foundation, especially for sizeable organisations that need a facilities partner enabled to manage major national and regional contracts."

While focused on partnering major corporations on large-scale integrated facilities management business, existing clients for both companies will have a transfer option to Johnson Controls FM. Chihota says that "Although we have an aggressive growth strategy, we are entirely committed to exceeding customer expectations for every project. Just last month six South Africans we sent to Europe returned from undertaking a technology transfer programme that sees them genuinely enabled to offer the best in globally competitive facilities management. We are harnessing the century of experience brought to us by JC to ensure that local customers benefit from the best in the world. "

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