(l-r) ADT North America President of Residential and Small Business John Koch, Tyco Intl CEO Ed Breen and Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) at the dedication of the new ADT North America headquarters. Photo courtesy Tyco Intl
By Ashley Willis
BOCA RATON, Fla. — Tyco Int'l executives and other guests dedicated the grand opening of ADT's North American headquarters here Monday.
The 171,000-square-foot facility will house more than 700 employees from ADT, ADT Latin America, Tyco's SimplexGrinnell business and Tyco corporate employees.
Tyco officials signed a long-term lease for the three-building campus in August 2010. Located near the company's former 10-story home base, executives believe the new facility will help retain employees, as well as recruit new ones, says ADT Security Services Public Relations Director Bob Tucker.
"It's a flattened out building instead of a tall one with a lot more amenities," he tells SSI. "We think it will provide better collaboration among employees. It sets the stage for future growth, and we'll be able to hire 100 or so people within the next couple of years."
Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.)., Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel and other dignitaries were on hand during the dedication. Tyco Int'l CEO Ed Breen thanked the state and local government sources for contributing $1.3 million in economic incentives.
Tyco used some of the money for an extensive renovation. The facility now features energy-efficient lighting, environmentally friendly workstations, as well as advanced videoconferencing facilities and security systems.
ADT North Americas new 171,000 square food, three-story facility will be home to more than 700 employees from ADT, ADT Latin America, Tycos SimplexGrinnell business and Tyco corporate employees. Photo courtesy Tyco Intl.
"In the long term, we're going to save several million dollars by being in this new facility," Tucker says. "We'll be able to sort of reinvest some of the money we spent back into the new building."
The interior design for the new building was a collaborative effort among Tyco employees, Tucker says. "Employees got a voice in how this building was put together. A committee chose the paint color, carpet samples, wallpaper — all those kinds of things. They did a great job. We think it's going to be one of the most exceptional work places in all of South Florida."
The renovated campus includes a fitness center, cafeteria, extensive meeting and collaboration space and a promenade area with services including doctor and chiropractor offices, a salon and dry cleaners.
Ashley Willis is associate editor for SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION. She can be reached at (310) 533-2419.