Johnson Controls may lay off up to 197 employees

GLENDALE, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin-based Johnson Controls Inc. plans to suspend work on a major information technology project, a move that could mean up to nearly 200 layoffs in its West Allis office.

In a filing with state officials Friday, the Glendale company said its decision will result in up to 197 jobs being cut, beginning on Sept. 30. All positions will be eliminated by Oct. 14.

Johnson Controls spokesman Fraser Engerman says the move is part of a cost-cutting effort that’s linked to its decision to spin off its automotive business into a separate company.

Engerman tells the Journal Sentinel that Johnson Controls is looking to find jobs within the company for employees who have been working on Project Unity.

He says the company is not planning to close the West Allis office.