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Johnson Controls and Simplex Announce Alliance

9 March 2000

Johnson Controls and Simplex Announce Alliance; Companies to Offer One-Stop Solution for Integrated Building Systems

    MILWAUKEE, March 8 Johnson Controls, Inc. and
Simplex have formed a global alliance to bring best in class integrated
building systems to customers using Simplex fire detection and alarm systems
and the Johnson Controls Metasys(R) Building Automation System, which controls
heating, ventilating, air conditioning, security and access control systems.
    Under the agreement, Johnson Controls will handle customer requests for
packaged building controls and fire alarm system solutions.  Simplex will
design, manufacture and deliver the fire system portion.
    In addition, Johnson Controls and Simplex will work together to maintain
technology leadership by staying at the forefront of breakthroughs that
improve communications, compatibility, information sharing, application
flexibility and ease of use.
    Johnson Controls and Simplex will implement and manage the agreement
through their respective networks of branch offices.  Johnson Controls will
continue to support previously installed fire detection and alarm systems.
    "This landmark agreement presents wonderful opportunities for our
customers while helping both companies.  Simplex systems are rich with
features that fit very well with what we do -- improve the quality of indoor
building environments by maximizing comfort, productivity, safety and energy
efficiency," said Brian Stark, president of the Controls business at Johnson
Controls.
    "Johnson Controls and Simplex engineers will team to bring specific
applications that offer value to the customer, and Johnson Controls will
extend Simplex's geographic coverage around the world.  It's yet another way
that Johnson Controls uses innovation to provide the very best solutions,"
Stark said.
    "With this alliance, we bring together the resources, technologies and
competencies of the two recognized leaders in their respective industries with
the overriding goal of serving customers as they want to be served," said
Stanley L. Clark, senior vice president and CEO at Simplex.  "This is a
mutually beneficial collaboration between two customer-focused companies that
share similar values and philosophies."
    Simplex, based in Gardner, Mass., is a multinational company that provides
fire detection, security, building communications and workforce management
systems to customers worldwide.  In each of the past three years, Simplex has
earned the distinction of being on Forbes magazine's annual list of the
500 Top Private Companies.
    Johnson Controls, Inc., is a global market leader in automotive systems
and facility management and control.  In the automotive market, it is a major
supplier of seating and interior systems and batteries.  For nonresidential
facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services,
energy management and integrated facility management.  Johnson Controls,
founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis.  Its sales for 1999
totaled $16.1 billion.