Johnson Controls invests $7.5 million into new fabrication equipment

Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls has invested $7.5 million into new equipment at its 900,000-sq.-ft. commercial HVAC manufacturing plant in Norman, Okla., known as the Johnson Controls Rooftop Center of Excellence.

A new punch and roll forming machine will produce all base rails from coils to finished product in one process, supporting Select and Premier commercial rooftop units. The all-in-one machine will take approximately 45 sec. of cycle time per rail and features kitting capabilities.

Three new robotic press brakes have been installed, each with a robotic arm that moves parts to and from the machine before being placed on an exit conveyor. Three of these machines can be operated by one operator.

Two new turret laser machines will punch and cut sheet metal for three newly installed assembly lines. Each machine features an eight-shelf loader for raw materials and finished parts, a 220-tool automatic tool changer, and a part sorter.

An auto brazer will increase output of fin and tube coils for large rooftop units and address the new coil lengths being introduced on future products.