Verizon Selects Johnson Controls as Outsourcing Provider for Multiple U.S. Facilities

MILWAUKEE, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of a strategy to maintain a high quality work environment for employees, achieve operating efficiencies and improve overall productivity, Verizon Communications, Inc. (NYSE: VZ), a leading global provider of broadband, video and wireless services, named Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) as a major real estate services provider.

Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions, the world's largest real estate and facilities management business unit, will provide integrated facility management, project management, energy implementation, lease administration and transaction management services at over 7,000 of Verizon's U.S. properties.

Verizon selected Johnson Controls due to its global scale, proven technology and service delivery and commitment to supplier diversity.

Tanya Penny, vice president of real estate, Verizon Communications, Inc. said, "The Verizon Real Estate organization is transforming its operations to maximize the value it delivers to Verizon's business groups and our employees so they can better serve our customers. Establishing more strategic third-party partnerships will be a core component of our strategy. Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions is a market leader in providing workplace services and this agreement is a natural partnership with both companies sharing a people-focused culture, safety-oriented operating environment and commitment to sustainability."

The partnership is the first step to strategically streamline Verizon's vendor base to create a more agile, flexible and cost-efficient business model.

Deborah Roberts, vice president and general manager, Media Communications, Retail and Latin America, Global WorkPlace Solutions, Johnson Controls explains, "I am extremely pleased to be partnering with Verizon to deliver an integrated building efficiency program, across much of the United States. Our Global WorkPlace Solutions team is uniquely positioned to offer Verizon an intelligent portfolio management solution by integrating all of our best people, processes and technologies."

Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions (GWS) is a leading provider of commercial real estate portfolio and facilities management for many of the world's largest companies. It creates business advantage for its customers through tailored strategies that optimize their real estate requirements and reduce costs. Its 17,500 employees have delivered $3 billion in savings for GWS customers since 2000. The company manages 1.5 billion square feet of real estate in more than 75 countries.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in over 150 countries. Our 130,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful.

SOURCE Johnson Controls