Arima Virtually Visits DMTN for DENSO Global First

Some would agree there have not been many benefits to come out of the COVID pandemic. If there is a shining star, the crisis has increased our speed and ability to communicate across campus, the nation and even the world. DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee (DMTN) demonstrated that overwhelmingly last week.

On Wednesday, August 19 (Thursday, August 20 in Japan), DMTN became the first DENSO company location to “virtually” host Global President and CEO Koji “Jack” Arima. And it couldn’t have gone better.

“It was very exciting to see our CEO and his reaction to all the hard work our associates have accomplished in preparation for his visit,” said DMTN President Sean Nakamizo. “Our location is poised for tremendous growth over the next several years and President Arima was excited to see the passion and confidence of our associates.”

Twelve specific GENBA stops across campus joined the tour via Zoom and shared challenge improvements, action plans and associate voices, all structured around five core pillars: Safety, Quality, Fixed Cost Reduction, Plant Reform and our actions to prevent COVID.

“This tour demonstrated our commitment to a ONE DMTN mindset,” said Senior Vice President Chuntao Ye. “We cannot survive working as individual units. We have to work more closely together to remove obstacles and borders that can hinder our growth.”

During the first pillar, Arima saw how technology is helping create a safer work environment for associates in CWH and 102. The second pillar highlighted how DMTN is breaking down barriers to reach ZERO customer returns and A-rank defects. President Arima learned how Digital Asaichi has strengthened collaboration during the third pillar GENBA and at the fourth pillar, four key business that are transforming our future were showcased: Global B, EHV, SMD and GSP2. Finally, Arima saw how associates are utilizing the five CORE safety actions to reduce COVID risk.

“Thank you for your videos and plant tours today,” said President Arima during his wrap up comments. “It has been two years since my last visit and was very nice to see a lot of passion and confidence.”

Arima emphasized the importance of continued improvements. “Today’s activity was good, but it is now essential to stop, think, review and act through Reborn-21 to make significant changes to survive and grow for the future.”

During a special moment at the closing, President Arima officially presented DMTN with the DENSO President’s Award for CARE – the first for our location. Bob Booker, Corporate Functions, Patrice Brooks, Electrification Systems, and Taylor Ellison, Information Safety, were on-hand to accept the award. DMTN was recognized for maximizing its national and state voice thru strong government relationships and developing a future workforce through training, school and work based programs. The DENSO Face Shield project was also part of the application.

“We applaud the efforts of every associate in DMTN,” said NA President and CEO Kenichiro Ito during the ceremony. “DMTN has a strong commitment to government and society and continues to be a strong ambassador for DENSO.”

“I cannot thank our associates enough,” continued Nakamizo. “This was a great opportunity to showcase DMTN to our global president and prove how COVID has not hindered the DENSO spirit. Congratulations to everyone!”

A complete photo gallery of the visit can be found on the DMTN Connection (accessible on DMTN campus).

Director Chris Ramsey presents during the DMTN virtual tour from CWH. Joining Ramsey are Seiya Dharmadasa and Luke Moore.

Manager Nathan Large demonstrates how forklift separation is protecting associates in Building 102.

Section Leader Chris Adams talks about PQ Time in Building 202 during the DMTN virtual visit with President Arima.

Manager Brent Farmer and Senior Manager Jim McDaniel talk about the fully automated line at Global B in Building 204 during the virtual visit.

DMTN President Sean Nakamizo kicks off the virtual visit from Building 204. More than 100 attendees around the world joined the GENBA tour of our location.

DENSO Corporation President and CEO Koji Arima participates in the DMTN virtual visit via Zoom.

Electrification System’s Patrice Brooks (left), Corporate Functions’ Bob Booker (center) and Information Safety’s Taylor Allison accepted the Global President’s CARE Award on behalf of DMTN during a special ceremony following the virtual visit.

DMTN leadership and award representatives accept our location’s first DENSO Global President’s CARE award and pose for a photo with global leadership joining virtually in the background.