Associate Spotlight: Powertrain Veteran Dan Sweeney Retires After 29 Years at DENSO

Dan Sweeney has seen it all. For almost 30 years, he’s been with DENSO through the good – exciting new products and technologies, countless growth opportunities – and the bad – business downturns, a global pandemic. But through it all, Dan has been a committed, hard-working associate who values his colleagues and takes the initiative to make a difference in his career, at DENSO and the world. 

Before we bid a fond farewell to Dan – and he begins his international travels with his wife – we wanted to share his DENSO story.

Dan has worked in DENSO’s powertrain division for 29 years. This division is responsible for designing, manufacturing, and applying best-in-class components for engines and transmissions to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Dan started in gasoline fuel system products and with the help of training, mentors and DENSO Spirit, became an engineering director over aftertreatment, ignition, electronic sensors, and electronic engine controllers.

During his time at our company, DENSO Spirit has guided Dan’s career. According to Dan, “DENSO leaders encouraged me to anticipate customer needs so our products can bring value. Foresight is required to sustain the healthy future of any company. I have always been inspired by Satoshi Watanabe, one of DENSO’s first Tech Center leaders, who spoke about the importance of always helping and putting the customer first. This approach creates a foundation for open discussion and collaboration. And regarding credibility, it is essential to do what you say. Positive results will be respected within DENSO and within industry.”

Not many people stay at the same company for 29 years (though we do have quite a few at DENSO!). When asked why he stayed, Dan said, “DENSO values its people. This was evident during the business downturn in 2008, and during the recent pandemic. DENSO maintained its commitment to us, and continues to build people through training, challenging assignments, and accountability.”

Dan has seen a lot of change over the years, but one constant is DENSO’s drive to be on the leading edge of technology. In Dan’s time, DENSO has implemented direct fuel injection, wide-range feedback control, and several other engine technologies to better serve customers as mobility has drastically evolved. Dan has also seen DENSO’s engineering team grow significantly – from 150 people in Southfield to over 1,000.

Of his many accomplishments, Dan shared he is most proud of his “collaboration with North American OEMs and DENSO Japan to develop and implement exhaust technologies that significantly reduced exhaust emissions” as well as his role in supporting the growth of several local colleagues. 

“Dan has been a driving force at DENSO for a long time, shaping the North American powertrain landscape with his vision, quality-mindset, and drive to elevate everyone around him,” said Andy Rumptz, in DENSO’S powertrain and electrification division.  “He will be truly missed, and we wish him well in retirement.”

For his parting words, Dan had this to share – “Our top management has requested that we re-establish our foundation of high quality.  I encourage all to take advantage of this time to improve our quality and reinforce DENSO’s credibility with all our customers across North America.”

Dan – thank you for your hard work and congratulations on your retirement. You deserve it!