On a quiet morning in Milwaukee, the headquarters of Johnson Controls buzzed with excitement. The company had just been named a top thermal management provider for data centers by ABI Research, a recognition that validated years of innovation, strategic growth, and a deep commitment to sustainability.
For Todd Grabowski, President of Global Data Center Solutions at Johnson Controls, the news was a moment of pride. “This recognition isn’t just about our technology,” he reflected. “It’s about the trust we’ve built with data center operators worldwide, helping them achieve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in an industry that never sleeps.”
A Mission to Revolutionize Cooling in Data Centers
Data centers are the backbone of the digital world, housing the vast networks that power everything from social media to banking transactions. But these facilities generate immense heat, making cooling technology one of the most critical components of their operation. Traditional cooling systems are often inefficient, costly, and environmentally damaging, consuming up to 40% of a data center’s total electricity usage.
“This recognition isn’t just about our technology. It’s about the trust we’ve built with data center operators worldwide, helping them achieve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in an industry that never sleeps.”
Todd Grabowski, President of Global Data Center Solutions at Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls recognized this challenge and set out to transform the way data centers manage thermal loads. Over the years, the company developed cutting-edge cooling solutions that prioritize energy efficiency without compromising on performance.
One such innovation is the YORK® YVAM chiller. Unlike conventional chillers, the YVAM operates with zero on-site water, uses an ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant (1234ze), and reduces energy consumption by up to 40%. With magnetic-bearing technology, initially designed for naval applications, the system runs quietly at just 65 dBA, the same noise level as a restaurant’s background music. Most impressively, its Quick Start technology allows it to return to full load in just three minutes after a power failure—a game-changer for hyperscale and colocation data centers where downtime is not an option.
A Global Impact with a Local Approach
Beyond product innovation, Johnson Controls has built a reputation for its customer-centric approach. Unlike many competitors that offer fragmented solutions, the company provides an integrated, “one-stop” model covering:
Thermal management
Building automation
Fire protection and security
Energy efficiency solutions
Digitally enabled service offerings
This holistic strategy has earned high praise from customers, who appreciate the company’s ability to customize solutions based on regional and operational needs.
To further support its growing client base, Johnson Controls launched a dedicated Global Data Center Solutions division in June 2024. This move expanded production capacity, shortened lead times, and strengthened the company’s ability to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions across North America, EMEA, and APAC.
Looking to the Future
As the sun set on another milestone day for Johnson Controls, the team remained focused on the road ahead. The demand for sustainable, efficient, and resilient data center solutions was only increasing. Their mission was clear: to continue pioneering smart, energy-efficient technologies that empower data centers worldwide.
For Johnson Controls, the recognition by ABI Research wasn’t just an award—it was a testament to their unwavering vision of shaping a smarter, greener future for the digital world.
