DMMI – Thursday, May 14 Update
Thanks for Joining the DMMI Virtual Town Hall
It was a pleasure to hear so many great questions in Monday’s DMMI Virtual Town Hall. We cover the most frequently asked questions in today’s update. Please share your Town Hall feedback in a quick Town Hall Survey.
Associate FAQ: Returning to Work Safely & Town Hall FAQ
It’s no surprise that most questions submitted for this week’s Virtual Town Hall were about returning to work safely. A summary of the most frequent questions and answers are below, in addition to some new information.
Work Schedules/When to Return to Campus
Q: How will manufacturing associates find out if they are required to work on site? Will our start times be the same? Thousands of people work at DMMI. How are we preparing for the crowds that are created during start times, break times and lunch times?
A: Leaders are reaching out to associates who are needed to work on-site next week. When finalized, a list of required associates and their start times will be posted by associate number on DENSO Online and DENSO Mobile.
As part of our efforts to maximize social distancing, start times have been expanded (see the visual example below). Break and lunch times will also change to minimize group sizes.
Please follow leader instructions for your start time. A reference of start times by Production Area and/or office location are available on DENSO Mobile and DENSO Online (password: denso2020).
Q: Should associates who are able to work from home continue to do so, or should we begin an A/B rotation for working on-site?
A: As our customers start mass production, more exempt associates will need to return to campus. However, this is limited to associates whose in-person presence is necessary. When we move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 in our Return to Work plan, office associates can begin to plan to return to work on a rotating basis. At this time, if you are not required to support operations, please continue to work from home.
Q: When and where will I receive my welcome kit?
A: You will pick up your welcome kit before you go through the entry screening process on your first day back on campus. Kits are one per associate, so make sure to save and re-use your personal sanitizer, “fast pass” badge screening card, dry erase marker, and cloth mask. Paper masks may be exchanged for new ones every two days. Also, note that the “fast pass” cards were designed to clip onto your badge for ease of use.
On-Site Services & Facility Changes
Q: Will the dining center be open? What about Omni Credit Union?
A: The Dining Center is open for seating with reduced capacity due to barriers and social distancing. We are working with Eurest on a date to resume food service when restrictions on dine-in services are lifted. Vending and Avenue C areas continue to be stocked.
Omni’s on-site branch at DENSO is closed for face-to-face service per the Governor’s order, but the ATM is available.
Q: When will the DMMI Rec Center re-open?
A: Per the Michigan Stay at Home Order, fitness facilities are to remain closed. If the order is not extended further, the Rec Center re-opening date will be announced at the end of May.
Q: Is Gallagher providing laundry service or staffing the uniform room?
A: Gallagher continues to pick up soiled garments on Tuesdays and Fridays for associates with laundry service. The uniform room is closed. If you need a specific item or assistance, email Debi Bowling at Debi.Bowling@na.denso.com.
Q: Are shoe slips being distributed?
A: Yes. Please use the drop box outside of the Associate Service Center. It continues to be checked twice a week and slips will be distributed by your leader.
Q: Is it true that associates have been assigned bathrooms?
A: Yes. Please use the restroom assigned to your work area. This will help minimize the spread of germs throughout the facility and maximize our ability to focus on cleaning and disinfecting specific areas should an associate become sick.
Q: Are we using hand dryers in the bathroom?
A: No. Paper towels will be temporarily put in restrooms next week and hand dryers will be turned off until restrictions are lifted. Please continue to practice good 5S and personal responsibility by putting paper towels and other trash into trash cans.
Q: Will water fountains be available?
A: Disposable cup dispensers have been installed at water fountains to increase cleanliness.
Q: We are required to keep three points of contact on stairways, and the mezzanine has many sets of stairs. What are we doing to keep these areas clean?
A: Portable sanitizer stations have been set up at the top of mezzanine stairs. Please sanitize your hands frequently with this sanitizer or the personal sanitizer in your welcome kit.
Safety Measures
Q: What changes has DENSO made to minimize our risk of returning to work?
A: Because your safety is our top priority, we have developed rigorous safety measures to help protect you as we return to the workplace. More details about these safety measures are in:
- DMMI Returning to Work Safely Mailer
- DMMI Entrance Screening Video Preview
- DMMI Work Space Video Preview
- DENSO North America Toolkit (password: denso2020)
Q: Are masks required when we have 6-feet distance and/or barriers? Are DENSO’s face covering rules more restrictive than the State of Michigan requirement?
A: Governor Whitmer’s order about wearing masks in enclosed spaces is for public places. DENSO can require stricter safety measures to keep all associates safe, and this is the current policy. It’s important to note that it’s a face covering that is required—not a mask. So if you are uncomfortable in a mask, you are welcome to wear a face shield. As it gets warmer in the plant, this may become a preference for many associates.
In order to get the most benefit, we will require face coverings unless you are 1. Eating in a designated area like the dining center or hot corner with social distancing in place. 2. Outside (including smoking areas) with social distancing in place, or, 3. Seated at a non-shared desk with social distancing in place. These requirements include all associates, contractors, visitors and guests.
Face coverings are required to help create a safe work environment for everyone. Please do your part by covering your face and kindly reminding others in the facility to do the same.
Q: I heard that training is required to return to work on site? What is the training, when will I receive it?
A: Associates with DENSO email have been enrolled in online training through Oracle. The training is also available with Spanish and Burmese translations. Associates without DENSO email will receive instructions for training when they report to work.
Q: What should I do with my face coverings when I’m not at work?
A: Think of your face covering like your safety glasses. You are responsible for storing them safely and taking them to and from work.
Pay
Q: How long will associates be at 80% pay?
A: Due to the continuing uncertainty, we will communicate our approach to operations and pay on a week-by-week basis. See the May 13 update for details about pay for the week of May 17.
Thanks to the DMMI Welcome Kit Assembly Crew!
Thank you to members of our Corporate Services, Human Resources, Medical and other teams who came in to assemble more than 2,000 welcome kits for DMMI associates. We appreciate your help to keep everyone safe at work!
Customers Say Thank You!
As we prepare to begin serving our customers with new vehicle production in the coming weeks, it’s important to recognize our service/warranty parts associates for their continued, dedicated, essential service.
Today, we have several thank you messages from our Toyota customers
A Message from Ryan Grimm, General Manager, Toyota Parts Supply Chain Operations
A Message from Michael Schad, General Manager of Toyota North America Service Parts Organization
