Home Article In brief: Johnson Controls raises guidance, ADI trades on NYSE, ZeroEyes positions for growth

In brief: Johnson Controls raises guidance, ADI trades on NYSE, ZeroEyes positions for growth

By SSN Staff

Updated 7:15 AM CDT, Wed August 5, 2026

CORK, Ireland—Johnson Controls reported sales of $6.6 billion for its fiscal third-quarter 2026, an increase of 9% over the prior year.

The company also reported strong demand across its business, with orders increasing 27% organically year-over-year and backlog rising 32% to $21 billion.

"We delivered another strong quarter, highlighted by 10% organic revenue growth, sustained order momentum, and continued margin expansion," said CEO Joakim Weidemanis. "While we remain early in our journey deploying our proprietary business system, the progress we are seeing demonstrates the potential to further improve execution, productivity and customer outcomes. Our third-quarter performance and continued momentum give us confidence in our raised full-year outlook."

The Americas segment led growth during the quarter. Revenue increased 11% to $4.5 billion, driven by continued strength in applied HVAC offerings. Products and systems sales rose 12%, while services revenue increased 10%.

In the Americas, orders climbed 37% year-over-year and backlog increased 40% to $15.9 billion. Johnson Controls said demand from data centers and other mission-critical environments was a key driver of the increase.

Outlook

Based on its third-quarter performance, Johnson Controls raised its fiscal 2026 outlook. The company now expects approximately 8% organic sales growth for the year, up from previous guidance of about 6%.

For the fourth quarter, Johnson Controls expects organic sales growth of 9% to 10%.

ADI begins trading as independent public company following Resideo spin-off

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.—ADI Global Distribution on Aug. 4 began trading on the New York Stock Exchange following the completion of its spin-off from Resideo Technologies.

Resideo first announced plans to divest ADI in July 2025. Resideo will continue trading under the ticker symbol REZI, while ADI trades under ADIG.

The transaction was completed through the distribution of all outstanding shares of ADI common stock to Resideo shareholders on the basis of one ADI share for every two Resideo shares held as of the close of business on July 20. Shareholders of record will also receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares to which they would otherwise be entitled.

“With trusted and iconic brands, deep relationships with pros and a 140-year heritage of innovation, Resideo is poised to start this next chapter as a pure-play building technologies company,” said Resideo President and CEO Tom Surran. “With dedicated strategic, operational and financial focus, we are ready to capture the profitable growth opportunities ahead and drive above market growth and sustained margin expansion.”

In connection with the spin-off, Resideo repaid $900 million of outstanding principal under its Term Loan B credit facility. The company also expects to make a further repayment of approximately $200 million following completion of the post-closing cash adjustment under the separation agreement with ADI and said it expects that repayment to occur by the end of the third fiscal quarter.

Ahead of the separation, ADI President Rob Aarnes said the spin-off is a “natural next step” in the distributor's evolution and said the company would benefit from a “sharper strategic focus and dedicated operational and financial resources” as an independent business.

“By strengthening our core distribution capabilities, expanding into adjacent spaces and delivering innovative products and services, we'll be better positioned to help our customers grow and succeed,” Aarnes told Security Systems News in August 2025. “And with our dedicated team and a proven track record, we're ready to drive long-term value and help move the industry forward.”

Pye-Barker expands Louisiana footprint with Southland Fire & Safety acquisition

ATLANTA—Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired Louisiana-based Southland Fire & Safety Equipment Inc., expanding its fire suppression and life safety capabilities in the Gulf South region.

Founded in 1972, Southland Fire & Safety operates from offices in Gonzales, Norco and Port Allen, La. The company provides fire suppression systems, fire extinguisher inspections and refills, testing and inspection services for industrial, commercial and municipal customers. Southland also serves fire departments with fire protection equipment, fire hose hydrotesting, firetruck repair and air mask fit testing services.

The acquisition adds another regional provider to Atlanta-based Pye-Barker's growing portfolio as the company continues to expand its presence through acquisitions across the fire protection, life safety and security sectors."We've served Louisiana for over 50 years, and we are continuing that legacy with Pye-Barker," said Southland co-owner Bert Prejean. "Our shared commitment to putting people first and protecting what matters most makes joining Pye-Barker a natural fit."

Pye-Barker CEO Bart Proctor said Southland's expertise and local market presence align with the company's expansion strategy.

"Southland Fire & Safety Equipment's team members are truly local experts in fire suppression services," Proctor said. "Their integration into the Pye-Barker family is an exciting opportunity to provide better services and help more people throughout the Gulf South region."

Southland's employees will remain in place and continue serving customers throughout Louisiana. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Gunnebo to sell Entrance Control business to ASSA ABLOY

GOTHENBURG, Sweden—Gunnebo Group has reached an agreement to sell its Gunnebo Entrance Control business unit to ASSA ABLOY, a move that will make the Sweden-based security company a pure-play safe storage provider. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Gunnebo Group currently operates through two business units: Gunnebo Entrance Control, which focuses on products and solutions for managing the secure flow of people, and Gunnebo Safe Storage, which provides solutions for safeguarding valuables. Following the sale, Gunnebo said it will focus exclusively on its Safe Storage business, with an emphasis on expanding its global reach and strengthening its offerings in the SecureTech and safe storage markets. “I am excited about the journey ahead for Entrance Control as part of ASSA ABLOY,” said Stefan Syren, president and CEO of Gunnebo Group. “Over the past decade, we have transformed Gunnebo from an industrial conglomerate into a focused technology company.” Syren said Gunnebo plans to accelerate innovation, digitalization and service-based business models while deepening customer relationships and pursuing growth through both organic initiatives and selective acquisitions. Howard Lang, president of Gunnebo Entrance Control, said joining ASSA ABLOY will create new opportunities for employees, customers and partners. “Bringing together these two organizations with complementary strengths will accelerate innovation, further improve our customer offering, drive future growth and reinforce our position as a leading provider of entrance control solutions,” Lang said. “Becoming part of ASSA ABLOY marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.” The acquisition further expands ASSA ABLOY’s portfolio of access and entrance management solutions. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Northland Controls promotes Brendan McFall to GM, Americas

FREMONT, Calif.—Northland Controls has promoted Brendan McFall to general manager, Americas, tasking the longtime executive with leading the company’s operations and growth strategy across the region. McFall has been with Northland Controls since 2014, joining the company as executive assistant to owner Pierre Trapanese before moving into project management and later taking on a series of leadership positions. During his tenure, he spent six months in Singapore as acting general manager, helping establish the company's presence in the Asia-Pacific market. Most recently, McFall served as operations manager for the Americas, a role he assumed in 2021. According to the company, he focused on strengthening regional capabilities while improving customer service, employee engagement and operational performance. “Brendan’s promotion is thoroughly deserved,” said Northland Controls CEO Edward Wears. “Throughout his time at Northland, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to lead through challenges, build strong teams, and deliver results for our customers. What makes Brendan truly exceptional, though, is his commitment to our people.” Wears added that McFall's leadership, understanding of the company culture and relationships with customers and employees made him a natural choice for the role. The promotion also places McFall on Northland’s executive leadership team. McFall said he is honored to take on the position and credited company leadership for its support throughout his career. “As I step into this role, I am committed to leading in a way that reflects the values that define Northland: taking on our customers' toughest challenges, doing whatever it takes to deliver exceptional results, investing in our people, acting honorably in every decision we make, and never losing sight of the importance of enjoying the journey together,” he said. Northland said the appointment supports its commitment to regional leadership, customer service and ongoing investment in its global workforce. Outside of Northland, McFall has held leadership roles with SIA RISE, the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) and PSA Security Network. He has also been recognized as an IFSEC Global Influencer and was previously named to Security Systems News’ 40 Under 40 list (Class of 2022).

DMP names Mike Taylor executive vice president of sales

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) has appointed veteran security industry executive Mike Taylor as executive vice president of sales, tasking him with leading the company's growth initiatives, go-to-market strategies and sales organization development. Taylor brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in the physical security industry. Most recently, he served as head of sales, public sector and channel sales at biometric access control provider Alcatraz. Prior to that, he was vice president of global sales and marketing at Hirsch, where he helped develop and deploy security solutions for commercial and federal customers. Taylor has also held leadership roles with Milestone, Brivo and AMAG Technology, overseeing North American sales operations and channel growth efforts. “Mike Taylor has a long history of growing physical security dealer programs with intrusion, access control and video technologies,” said Rick Britton, founder and CEO of DMP. “Many on our team have worked with Mike in the past and know his reputation of success. He's the right leader for this role, and the right fit for DMP.” According to DMP, Taylor will be responsible for driving company growth, refining market strategies and strengthening the sales team as the manufacturer continues expanding its presence across intrusion, access control and related security technologies. “The opportunity to join a talented team of people at a world-class company was too good to pass up,” Taylor said. “My goal is to build an industry-leading sales team to set the standard for our peers and competitors.” Taylor began his new role on July 20. The company said he plans to spend his first six weeks meeting with DMP customers before attending GSX 2026, scheduled for Sept. 14-16 in Atlanta.

ZeroEyes founders shift to advisory roles as company enters next growth phase

PHILADELPHIA—ZeroEyes has announced an executive leadership transition designed to support the company’s continued growth as it expands beyond its origins as an artificial intelligence (AI) gun detection provider into a broader threat intelligence platform. Under the changes, co-founders Sam Alaimo, Rob Huberty and Dustin Brooks will step away from their day-to-day operational responsibilities and serve in advisory roles through a newly formed Founders’ Council. The council will help guide the company's long-term strategy while preserving the vision and values established by the founding team, according to the company. Since launching ZeroEyes, the three founders have helped build the company’s customer base, operations and overall business foundation, the company said. As part of the transition, co-founder and Chief Product Officer Tim Sulzer will expand his responsibilities to oversee company operations. In addition, Vice President of Sales JT Wilkins will take on broader oversight of sales, marketing and customer success efforts. The leadership changes come during a period of significant expansion for ZeroEyes. The company said it has evolved in 2026 from an AI gun detection specialist into what it describes as a multi-analytics threat intelligence platform, adding capabilities such as knife detection, real-time threat geolocation and other security offerings. ZeroEyes has also introduced several new products and partnerships this year, including its off-network ZeroLink solution, a 3D mapping solution developed with Ark Strategic, public safety alerting through a Samdesk integration and Harborwatch, a recently launched risk-focused membership organization. “I’ve worked alongside Sam, Rob and Dusty since our military service, and I can’t imagine better partners to have built this company with,” said Mike Lahiff, co-founder and CEO of ZeroEyes. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I look forward to their continued contributions as trusted advisors to the company.”

Netwatch names Tenner senior HR business partner for North America

LAKE FOREST, Calif.—Netwatch has appointed LaShonda Tenner as senior human resources business partner for North America. In the role, Tenner will lead people and culture initiatives supporting Netwatch's continued growth across North America, with responsibilities that include talent recruitment and development, employee engagement, workforce planning and organizational culture. Tenner brings more than 12 years of human resources leadership experience spanning the security, facilities services, manufacturing and business services sectors. Before joining Netwatch, she served as human resources director at Allied Universal, one of the security industry's largest employers. Her previous experience also includes leadership positions with DS Smith, SecurAmerica and ABM Industries. "Growth isn't just about expanding our business. It's about investing in the people who make that growth possible," said Tish Benton, executive vice president of human resources at Netwatch. "LaShonda's extensive experience supporting complex organizations and fostering strong employee relationships will help us continue building an engaged, high-performing culture where our people can thrive. That investment in our teams ultimately translates into an even better experience for our customers." According to the company, Tenner joins Netwatch as it continues to expand operations and invest in workforce development to support long-term growth. The company said her experience leading talent initiatives in service-oriented organizations will help strengthen recruiting, retention and employee development efforts as demand for AI-powered video monitoring solutions continues to grow. "Joining Netwatch at this pivotal moment is incredibly exciting," Tenner said. "Beyond the company's well-earned reputation for pioneering security solutions, their genuine investment in people truly resonated with me. I'm eager to champion our culture, unlock the full potential of our talent, and partner with the team to drive Netwatch's future growth."

O.W.L. appoints Dakota Price regional sales manager for South Central U.S.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.—Observation Without Limits (O.W.L.) has named Dakota Price regional sales manager for Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and New Mexico, effective immediately. Based in Houston, Price will be responsible for supporting security integrators, consultants and end users across the south central United States, helping organizations deploy O.W.L.'s 2D and 3D radar technologies for perimeter security and low-altitude airspace surveillance applications. "The TOLA and New Mexico markets are growing dramatically, and so we needed a sales manager that could meet the increasing demands of this widespread and diverse territory," O.W.L. CEO Adam Robinett said. "Ideally based in Houston, Dakota has a great track record and we are excited to have him on the team." O.W.L., which manufactures digital radar solutions for perimeter detection and situational awareness, said Price will focus on expanding relationships with channel partners and customers throughout the region as demand for advanced perimeter security technologies continues to grow. Price said he was drawn to the company's technology and customer-focused approach. "What excites me most about being part of the O.W.L. team is the combination of great people, innovative technology, and the opportunity to help customers protect what matters most," he said. "As someone who enjoys building relationships, I'm excited to work alongside a talented team, develop strong partnerships with customers and integrators, and help organizations better protect their people, assets and operations."

Secure.com names Nicholette Brown Hill founding GM for Americas

AUSTIN, Texas, and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—Secure.com has appointed cybersecurity industry veteran Nicholette Brown Hill as founding general manager for the Americas and head of sales for global strategic markets. The newly created executive position is designed to support Secure.com's expansion efforts across North and South America as the company grows its artificial intelligence (AI)-native cybersecurity platform worldwide. In her new role, Brown Hill will oversee the company's growth strategy throughout the Americas while leading sales initiatives in global strategic markets. Her responsibilities include driving customer acquisition, developing channel and alliance partnerships, and strengthening Secure.com's market position in cybersecurity risk visibility and continuous security validation. Brown Hill brings more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, cloud computing and enterprise technology. Most recently, she served as chief strategy officer at GUARDDOG.AI, where she helped lead market expansion efforts and developed partnerships focused on AI-powered cybersecurity solutions. Prior to that role, Brown Hill held several executive positions at managed IT and cybersecurity provider Meriplex, including vice president of corporate development and strategic alliances and vice president of sales and channel. "Nicholette brings a rare combination of deep experience working at some of the industry's biggest brands paired with a proven ability to scale startups," said Uzair Gadit, founding partner of Disrupt.com and CEO of Secure.com. "Her ability to build high-performing organizations, forge transformative partnerships, and execute winning go-to-market strategies makes her the ideal leader for this next phase of Secure.com's growth." Brown Hill said she was attracted to the company's approach to addressing cybersecurity workforce and operational challenges through artificial intelligence. "Security teams are drowning in alerts, stretched thin on headcount, and stuck doing repetitive work that burns analysts out," she said. "Secure.com changes the math."

Primion, Iveda partner to bring AI video intelligence to European security customers

MESA, Ariz.—Iveda and Primion have formed a partnership aimed at bringing artificial intelligence (AI)-powered video analytics to organizations across Europe. Under the agreement, Iveda's AI video analytics platform, IvedaAI, will be offered as a standalone solution through Primion, a provider of converged security and workforce management systems. The companies said they also plan to pursue deeper integration of the technology within Primion's broader security ecosystem. The partnership is designed to enhance situational awareness by combining access control data with real-time video intelligence. According to the companies, the integration will give users greater insight into events occurring before, during and after facility access events. "Technology matters most when it creates clarity, confidence and real value for people," said Primion CEO Francis Cepero said. "Our customers are not asking for more complexity. They are looking for security solutions that simplify operations, connect critical information and support better decisions when every second counts." IvedaAI enables users to create custom video detections using natural-language prompts rather than relying on predefined analytics or lengthy model training processes. The companies said the technology can be deployed using existing camera infrastructure, allowing organizations to add AI capabilities without replacing current systems. In addition to physical security applications, the companies said the platform can support a variety of operational use cases by connecting video intelligence with access control and security management systems. For organizations operating in regulated environments, Iveda said the platform is designed to support General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance while helping customers modernize security operations. "Primion has earned deep trust across Europe by helping organizations secure their most important facilities, people, and operations," said David Ly, CEO and founder of Iveda. "This partnership has been more than a year in the making, and it reflects a shared belief that the future of physical security is not one system replacing another, but trusted platforms working together in smarter ways." The announcement follows more than a year of collaboration between the companies, including platform training and rollout planning. Iveda recently expanded its European presence with the launch of Iveda Spain, a move intended to support the company's growth efforts in the region.

NFPA updates public safety messaging guide for 2026

QUINCY, Mass.—The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released the 2026 edition of its Educational Messages Advisory Committee (EMAC) Desk Reference, updating public education guidance on a range of emerging fire and life safety issues. The EMAC Desk Reference serves as the foundation for NFPA public education messaging and is designed to help fire and life safety educators deliver consistent, accurate safety information to their communities. Among the updates in the 2026 edition are expanded sections on lithium-ion battery safety, candle safety and fuel gas alarms. New and revised guidance also addresses smart sensing technology in multi-criteria smoke alarms, carbon monoxide safety, holiday fire prevention and electrical safety topics. "As our world continues to evolve and new technologies enter the market, the 2026 edition of the EMAC Desk Reference incorporates safety messaging and guidance that address today's emerging issues," said Kelly Ransdell, director of public education at NFPA. "These updates and revisions help ensure that it remains the cornerstone document fire and public safety educators can rely on for credible, up-to-date information." The updated resource includes new messaging on smart sensing technology in multi-criteria smoke alarms that detect heat, smoke and gases. It also places additional emphasis on purchasing products that have been listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. NFPA said the publication's electrical safety chapter now includes new sections covering compact fluorescent lamp bulbs, chicken coop safety, and marine and boating safety. The EMAC is composed of fire and life safety professionals from a variety of organizations who periodically review NFPA educational messaging and recommend updates to NFPA public education staff. NFPA said Spanish and French editions of the 2026 EMAC Desk Reference are expected to be released later this year.

Heath City Schools adopts ZeroEyes gun detection platform

HEATH, Ohio—Heath City School District has deployed ZeroEyes’ AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness platform as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen school safety and security, the companies announced. Located in Licking County, Ohio, Heath City Schools serves approximately 1,600 students and 250 staff members across four schools. The district said the deployment builds on an existing layered security approach that includes a network of security cameras, access control systems, bullet-resistant window film and door barricades. According to the announcement, ZeroEyes’ software integrates with existing digital security cameras and uses artificial intelligence to identify visible firearms. When a potential threat is detected, images are immediately sent to the company’s ZeroEyes Operations Center, where trained military and law enforcement veterans review the alert. If a threat is confirmed, the operations center provides law enforcement and school administrators with actionable intelligence, including a visual description of the individual, the type of firearm detected and the subject’s last known location. “Student and staff safety is always our top priority, so we are very interested in solutions that can provide real-time notifications in the event of a potential threat,” said Trevor Thomas, Ed.D., superintendent of Heath City School District. “ZeroEyes’ ability to enhance our existing safety measures with immediate, actionable intelligence broadens our security strategy to better protect our schools and provide peace of mind for our community.” ZeroEyes said its platform is designed to provide alerts within seconds of a firearm being detected, enabling schools and first responders to react more quickly to potential incidents. Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes, said the deployment reflects the district’s commitment to a comprehensive security approach. “We’re proud to partner with forward-thinking districts like Heath City that are committed to implementing layered security strategies,” Lahiff said. “By combining our real-time gun detection and intelligent alerting capabilities with their existing capabilities, we’re helping create a safer environment for all.”

RapidFire promotes Chris Nielsen to chief people officer

ST. LOUIS—RapidFire Safety & Security has promoted Chris Nielsen to chief people officer, expanding his leadership responsibilities as the company continues to grow its commercial fire protection, life safety and electronic security business across the United States. Nielsen joined RapidFire in July 2024 as vice president of human resources and has helped build the company's human resources function and employee-focused initiatives during a period of rapid growth. In his new role, Nielsen will oversee RapidFire's people strategy, including leadership development, employee engagement, organizational design and culture. “I am honored to step into the role of chief people officer at such an important point in RapidFire’s growth,” Nielsen said. “Our success starts with our people, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen the team member experience, support leadership development, and help preserve the culture that makes RapidFire special as we grow.” According to RapidFire, Nielsen will play a key role in maintaining the company's people-first culture while supporting ongoing expansion efforts across the Midwest, Southwest and Western United States. “We are fortunate to have Chris in this important leadership role as we continue to grow RapidFire,” said Mike McLeod, CEO and founder of RapidFire. “Since joining the company, Chris has been a steady and trusted leader for our people. His experience, judgment, and commitment to building a strong people-first culture will be essential as we scale the business while staying grounded in who we are.”

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In brief: Johnson Controls raises guidance, ADI trades on NYSE, ZeroEyes positions for growth

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