The Johnson Controls Unitary Products Group Wichita, Kansas, facility has again been named a Manufacturing, Wholesale & Distribution award honoree by the Wichita Business Journal.

In its fourth year, the award is designed to raise the visibility and stature of manufacturing, wholesale and distribution companies as economic drivers in South Central Kansas. Honorees were chosen in eight categories, including Corporate Leadership, Job Growth, Research and Development, Emerging Leaders, Community Involvement, Export, Green Initiatives and Collaboration. Johnson Controls was selected in the Job Growth category. Last year, the company was honored in the Research and Development category.

“We are pleased to again be honored as a driving force in South Central Kansas, especially when it comes to creating jobs that support people in the Wichita community,” said Liz Haggerty, vice president and general manager, unitary products group, Johnson Controls. “We strongly believe the investments we continue to make in our Wichita plant are investments in the Wichita community, as well. It’s gratifying to know others recognize our commitment to the people in this area and our ongoing efforts to be a good and responsible neighbor.”

Employment at the Johnson Controls Wichita location has grown by 38 percent over the past 24 months, including a 22 percent increase between May 2016 and April 2017. This brings total employment at the facility to more than 1,600 people, who design, engineer and assemble residential heating and cooling products for distribution throughout the United States.

The plant incudes the Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) facility, which allows for simultaneous testing of up to 24 outdoor systems, simulating a five-year life in four months under a variety of real-life temperature, weather and live voltage conditions.

Mike Richardson, plant manager, unitary products group, Johnson Controls and Steve Tice, vice president of engineering, unitary products group, Johnson Controls accepted the award on behalf of Johnson Controls at a luncheon for honorees on Aug. 17 at the Hyatt Regency Wichita. Honorees will be featured in a special publication that profiles the award winners under each category.

“To be named to this group of honorees for the second year in a row is a real privilege,” Tice said. “And the impact of the work we do doesn’t end here in Kansas. We’ve also added new distribution partners with approximately 100 new locations around the country as we continue to grow our business, always with the help of the Wichita community.”