Honeywell

Honeywell International Inc. is a big American company that operates all around the world. It is based in Charlotte, North Carolina and works in several important areas, such as making parts for airplanes, helping buildings run better, and creating tools for factories. In 2025, Honeywell had about 101,000 people working for it.

The company’s name comes from a combination of two older companies, Honeywell Inc. and AlliedSignal, that joined together in 1999. Because “Honeywell” was a well-known name, they chose it for the new company. 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 separate companies. These new companies will focus on different areas, such as airplane parts and tools that help factories work better. This change shows how the company is growing and changing to meet new needs.

History

The Butz Thermo-Electric Regulator Company started in 1885 when Albert Butz invented a special device to control coal furnaces, making home heating automated. In 1888, Butz left the company, and it was renamed the Consolidated Temperature Controlling Company.

Over time, the company faced financial difficulties and changed names several times. By 1900, W. R. Sweatt bought out the remaining shares and took control.

1906 Honeywell Heating Specialty Company founded

In 1906, Mark Honeywell founded 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 merged with other companies. In 1927, it merged with the Minneapolis Heat Regulator Company to form Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Company. By 1929, the company’s assets were valued at over $3.5 million.

1934–1941 International growth

Harold Sweatt took over in 1934, leading the company to expand internationally. By 1937, Minneapolis-Honeywell had over 3,000 employees and $16 million in annual revenue.

World War II

During World War II, Minneapolis-Honeywell developed important military technology, including a superior tank periscope and the C-1 autopilot, which was used on bombers dropping atomic bombs on Japan in 1945.

1950–1970s

In the 1950s and 1960s, Honeywell developed advanced flight control systems and introduced famous products like the T-86 Round thermostat. The company expanded internationally and acquired new businesses.

1985–1999 integrations

Aerospace and defense

In 1986, Honeywell began a new direction by acquiring Sperry Aerospace Group. The company continued to supply important aerospace products.

Home and building controls

Honeywell started projects to combine home heating, cooling, security, and lighting into one easy-to-control system. By 1995, the company had three main divisions.

Industrial control

Honeywell strengthened its industrial control products by acquiring new companies.

1999–2002 merger, takeovers

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

2002–2014 acquisitions and further expansion

Since 2002, Honeywell has made many acquisitions and expanded its workforce. The company’s stock price nearly tripled from 2002 to 2015.

2015–present

In 2015, Honeywell moved its headquarters to Morris Plains, New Jersey. The company continued to grow through acquisitions and expansions.

COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Honeywell converted some of its factories to produce personal protective equipment like N95 masks for healthcare workers. The company produced millions of masks and received contracts from several state governments. In April 2021, Honeywell collaborated on a special mask with LED lights and noise-canceling headphones. In November 2024, Honeywell announced plans to 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 make airplanes, engines, and flight systems better. It works with airlines, militaries, and space programs. In 2014, it introduced a new landing system at an airport in Spain to help planes land more accurately.

Building Automation and Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions were created in 2016. Building Automation focuses on making buildings safer and more efficient. In 2017, Honeywell added new safety features for fires and gases to its products. Safety and Productivity Solutions helps with safety tools and technology for workers and industries.

Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies makes special materials and chemicals used in many industries, including oil and gas, electronics, and renewable fuels.

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. In 2007, Honeywell was near the top of companies that caused air pollution, releasing over 4.25 million kg of harmful substances into the air each year.

Honeywell has worked to clean up many polluted areas. In 2014, they built water treatment plants and removed tons of mercury from a cleanup site. By 2017, they finished cleaning a lake in Syracuse, New York. For these efforts, they received an award in 2015. 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 and did not pay taxes during some years, even getting money back from the government.

Honeywell has also faced criticism for making weapons that can hurt people seriously. In June 2024, reports said that parts made by Honeywell were used in a missile that targeted a school. This caused many people to be hurt, 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 of the people who served as president include Mark Charles Honeywell from 1927 to 1934, Harold Wilson Sweatt from 1934 to 1952, and Vimal Kapur from 2022 to 2024.

Other important leaders, known as Chairmen of the Board, include Mark Charles Honeywell from 1934 to 1954, Lawrence Arthur Bossidy from 2000 to 2002, and Vimal Kapur starting in 2024.