During the last 30 years, Distech Controls has moved from being an integrator of products to an innovator, developing open solutions that make buildings smarter, safer and greener. We speak to Martin Villeneuve, President at Distech Controls about the company’s journey and the future.
A foundation built on vision and engineering
Founded in Quebec, Canada, Distech Controls was born from a bold vision: that the future of buildings lay in energy intelligence. As Distech Controls celebrates its 30th anniversary, the company stands as a beacon of innovation in intelligent building management, having transformed from a system integrator to a company operating in more than 60 countries and working with a network of over 950 channel partners.
Distech Controls recognised a gap in the market — that existing HVAC systems lacked the innovation needed for true efficiency. Acting on this insight, Distech Controls pivoted from integration to designing and manufacturing its own HVAC management products, laying the foundation for a future built on open innovation.
Martin Villeneuve joined in 1999 as a project manager, bringing his knowledge of the field and his passion for technical optimisation. By 2003, Distech Controls divested its project management business and focussed exclusively on product development. This move transformed the company from a service provider into a technology manufacturer. Distech Controls’ aim is to connect people with intelligent building solutions through its open, forward-thinking technologies and services.
Driving global growth through smart acquisitions
Martin Villeneuve says, “breaking into Europe took time with early attempts falling short because our products didn’t meet local expectations for fully integrated building systems.” The turning point came in 2010 with the acquisition of Comtec, a French leader in integrated solutions. This strategic move gave Distech Controls access to European markets, local expertise, and the ability to comply with regional standards.
From there, Distech Controls built a hybrid growth model. Unlike other groups that rely entirely on external growth, Martin Villeneuve favours a subtle balance. "For us, organic growth is the foundation. It guarantees credibility, stability, and control. Then come acquisitions, when they make strategic sense." In practice, this model translates into gradual development, first through the sales force, then through local reinforcement via teams established on site.
Following this acquisition, Distech Controls established a sales network across more than 30 European countries, turning its European hub into a centre for design and innovation.
In 2015, Distech Controls was acquired by Acuity Inc. (formerly Acuity Brands) amplifying the company’s reach without compromising its identity. Today, Distech Controls is a key part of Acuity, playing an active role in technological and global expansion.
The future for Distech Controls
At the heart of Distech Controls’ journey is a leadership philosophy grounded in trust, autonomy, and strategic partnerships. The company’s emphasis on organic growth, cultural preservation, and local empowerment has created a resilient organisation ready for the next frontier of building intelligence.
As buildings become the next data giants, Distech Controls is transforming not just how buildings operate, but how people experience them.