Honeywell

Honeywell International Inc. is a large American company that works all over the world. It is based in Charlotte, North Carolina and makes many important things. These include parts for airplanes, tools to help buildings work better, and equipment for factories. In 2025, about 101,000 people worked for Honeywell.

The company’s name comes from two older companies, Honeywell Inc. and AlliedSignal, that joined together in 1999. They chose “Honeywell” because it was a well-known name. For many years, Honeywell was part of a special group of important companies called the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

In 2025, Honeywell made a big plan to split into three smaller companies. Each new company will focus on different areas, such as airplane parts and factory tools. This change shows how the company is growing and adapting to new needs.

History

The Butz Thermo-Electric Regulator Company started in 1885 when Albert Butz made a device to control coal furnaces, helping homes heat up automatically. In 1888, Butz left, and the company changed its name to the Consolidated Temperature Controlling Company.

Over time, the company had money problems and changed names many times. By 1900, W. R. Sweatt bought all the shares and took control.

1906 Honeywell Heating Specialty Company founded

In 1906, Mark Honeywell started the Honeywell Heating Specialty Company in Wabash, Indiana, to make and sell his invention, the mercury seal generator.

1922–1934 Mergers and acquisitions

As Honeywell grew, it joined with other companies. In 1927, it merged with the Minneapolis Heat Regulator Company to form Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Company. By 1929, the company was worth over $3.5 million.

1934–1941 International growth

Harold Sweatt took over in 1934, and the company grew worldwide. By 1937, Minneapolis-Honeywell had over 3,000 workers and made $16 million each year.

World War II

During World War II, Minneapolis-Honeywell made important tools for the military, like a special view device for tanks and the C-1 autopilot.

1950–1970s

In the 1950s and 1960s, Honeywell made advanced flight control systems and famous products like the T-86 Round thermostat. The company grew worldwide and bought new businesses.

1985–1999 integrations

Aerospace and defense

In 1986, Honeywell started a new path by buying Sperry Aerospace Group. The company kept making important products for airplanes and space.

Home and building controls

Honeywell began projects to combine home heating, cooling, security, and lighting into one simple system. By 1995, the company had three main parts.

Industrial control

Honeywell made its industrial control products better by buying new companies.

1999–2002 merger, takeovers

In 1999, Honeywell was bought by AlliedSignal, which kept the Honeywell name. The office moved to New Jersey.

2002–2014 acquisitions and further expansion

Since 2002, Honeywell has bought many companies and grown its team. The company’s value went up a lot from 2002 to 2015.

2015–present

In 2015, Honeywell moved its office to Morris Plains, New Jersey. The company kept growing by buying more companies.

COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Honeywell changed some of its factories to make personal protective equipment like N95 masks for healthcare workers. The company made millions of masks and worked with governments. In April 2021, Honeywell made a special mask with lights and noise-canceling headphones. In November 2024, Honeywell said it would sell its personal protective equipment business.

Business groups

Main article: List of Honeywell products and services

Honeywell has four main business groups: Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, Building Automation, Safety and Productivity Solutions, and Performance Materials and Technologies.

Honeywell Aerospace Technologies helps improve airplanes, engines, and flight systems. It works with airlines, militaries, and space programs.

Building Automation and Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions were created in 2016. Building Automation makes buildings safer and more efficient. Safety and Productivity Solutions provides safety tools and technology for workers and industries.

Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies makes special materials and chemicals used in many industries.

Corporate governance

Honeywell's current chief executive officer is Vimal Kapur. As of June 2023, the members of the board are:

Acquisitions since 2002

Honeywell has bought several companies since 2002. These companies usually match the technologies Honeywell already uses. After buying them, Honeywell adds these companies to one of its five business groups. These groups are Aerospace Technologies, Building Automation, Safety and Productivity Solutions, Energy and Sustainability Solutions, and Performance Materials and Technologies. Even after joining Honeywell, these companies keep their original brand names.

Environmental issues

The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that Honeywell has been linked to many toxic waste sites.

Honeywell has worked to clean up many polluted areas. They built water treatment plants and removed mercury from a cleanup site. They also finished cleaning a lake in Syracuse, New York. For these efforts, they received an award. They have also reduced the use of harmful materials like mercury and lead in their products.

Criticism

In March 2013, a news report said that Honeywell was one of sixty companies that did not pay certain taxes in the United States. Critics said Honeywell spent a lot of money on influencing laws.

Honeywell has also faced criticism for making weapons. In June 2024, reports said that parts made by Honeywell were used in a missile. This caused many people to be upset, and many people around the world spoke out against it. Honeywell has not given many details about these claims.

Leadership

Honeywell has had many leaders over the years. Some past presidents include Mark Charles Honeywell, Harold Wilson Sweatt, and Vimal Kapur.

Other important leaders, called Chairmen of the Board, include Mark Charles Honeywell, Lawrence Arthur Bossidy, and Vimal Kapur.