Backgrounder
September 2008
Contact: Anne Klebenow
(865) 379-0127
anne_klebenow@denso-diam.com

Bridgette LaRose
(248) 372-8266
bridgette_larose@denso-diam.com


DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc.
Quality Circle Team

About DENSOÕs Quality Circle Teams
DENSO has always focused on improving quality, following the guiding principle, Ònever be satisfied; continuously look for improvements.Ó  That is why Quality Circle or kaizen teams are an integral part of the daily working lives of DENSO employees.  Quality Circle teams consist of a group of employees, working together to identify, analyze and solve work-related problems.

The first North American Quality Circle team was established in 1987 at DENSO Manufacturing Michigan Inc., in Battle Creek, Mich.  In 2005, there were nearly 500 active circles in DENSO group companies throughout North America. 

In the 20 years since the first Quality Circle team formed, more than 5,000 teams have helped DENSO reduce costs, increase quality, efficiency and safety, and help preserve and protect the environment. 

DMTN, which has 230 Kaizen circles, teaches a specific eight-step method for problem solving. That teaching process may focus on productivity, safety, quality and cost reduction.  As associates work through the eight steps, they develop many skills, including team building, leadership, organizational, computer knowledge and public speaking, as well as problem-solving.


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