A Journey toward Excellence: DNMX Excellent Factory

Our commitment to monozukuri, “the art of making things,” is a strength DENSO has nurtured since its founding. It has led to many of our unique manufacturing processes and world-first products. But, in true DENSO fashion, we’re looking to continuously improve and take monozukuri to the next level. One way we’re moving in this direction is through the Excellent Factory (EF) activities.

What is “Excellent Factory”?

EF activities are aimed to continuously improve production sites by involving all associates at the plant – from the leadership team to front-line production associates – it’s a cross-functional, collaborative effort.

DENSO challenges plants and recognizes top EF activities at its annual DENSO Group EF Activity Conference. This year, teams from DENSO Mexico, DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, and DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee were awarded in our regional EF competition. Being recognized with top honors, DENSO Mexico was invited to share their activities at the Global EF Conference in May.

What’s it take to be named EF?

Four main pillars are evaluated for EF honors:

• Kaizen based on standardized work
• Kaizen viewpoint throughout the plant
• Efficient line design and development
• Human resource development for Kaizen

Top Honors for DNMX ICT Plant

ICT associates made several improvements across the plant to exceed in the main EF pillar categories. However, the EF Developers’ program helped DNMX really stand out against the competition and take home top regional honors.

The EF Developers’ program is a training program. Group leaders train their colleagues on correct use of tools, as well as the proper process for auditing and detecting, in a timely manner, an area that requires Kaizen. This allows time for teams to make impactful improvements.

“One important part of having received this award was the full involvement of our personnel,” said Enrique Trevino, vice president of DENSO Mexico. “Doing kaizen with the participation of all — that is the human side of EF. EF Developers have the task of developing knowledge of this technique so that everything will work based on the guidelines required to be an efficient plant. That is what differentiated us from North America. I’m very proud of all the people involved, because we have shown once more that DENSO Mexico has the capacity to go very far.”

All they do is win!

Congratulations to DENSO Mexico for earning top honors as the number one EF factory in North America! This is the third time DENSO Mexico has been distinguished with top honors, making DENSO Mexico the company with the most EF activity awards since the start of the competition in North America.

Stay tuned throughout the month to learn more about DENSO Mexico’s EF activity and the associates who helped make it happen.