The COVID-19 pandemic is causing a shortage of medical supplies across the world, so when DMTN reached out to Blount Memorial Hospital to see how we could help, the DENSO spirit took over.

“They are in dire need of face shields,” said Britt Autry, DMTN Vice President. “Our associates stepped up, designed a product, developed modeling and had a prototype within a day.”

Since Tuesday, March 24, a visor and shield have been designed and produced. After several modifications, a molding die started being developed for both parts and DENSO purchased straps to assemble the face shield.

Three days later, 30 DENSO face shield prototypes were donated to Blount Memorial Hospital. This week, an additional 75 prototypes are being sent to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

“We can’t thank DENSO enough,” said Alissa McMahon, BMH Director of Quality Management. “Everywhere you look, medical supplies are hard to come by. You are making us – and I’m sure eventually many other hospitals – extremely happy.”

Over the next two weeks, DMTN associates will install production cells in Building 204 to begin mass production. The line should be complete by April 8.

“This is DENSO spirit at is finest and fastest,” said Mark Moses, Intelligent Cockpit Director. “From idea, to design, to production, through safety and legal, it’s been a team effort and everyone should be extremely proud of what we can do together.”

We are surely in unprecedented times, but everyone knows we’ll get through this as DENSO Together.

The DENSO face shield, to be produced in Building 204, says “Thank you for taking care of us!”

DMTN’s Britt Autry demonstrates how the DENSO face shield is assembled to Blount Memorial Hospital’s Alissa McMahon.

Blount Memorial nurses show off the recently designed and 3D printed face shield prototypes DMTN will start producing in the next couple weeks. Pictured (L to R) are: Cara White, Holly King, Mariah Moore, Ari Small and Barbara Cave.

DENSO is proud to support Blount County as our community celebrates diversity and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy at the annual MLK Celebration January 17-20. This year’s theme is “Sharing Our Stories: From the Movement to the Moment.” Most events are free and open to the public.

MLK Kids and Families Fair
Saturday, January 18, 2020 / 1 p.m. at the Blount County Library
Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with an afternoon of fun, interactive and educational activities. Arts and crafts, games and learning activities at this year’s fair will be coordinated by a variety of community groups.

Community Worship Service
Sunday, January 19, 2020 / 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Alcoa
Rev. Dr. Willa Estell, Pastor of St. Paul AME Zion Church in Maryville will be the speaker for the afternoon. The MLK Celebration Mass Choir will render the music.

MLK Day March/Program
Monday, January 20, 2020 / 12:30 p.m. Assemble at MLK Center
12:45 p.m. March from MLK Center to Maryville College / 2 p.m. Program at Nutt Theatre in Clayton Center
All Blount County residents are encouraged to participate in the last event of the celebration. A march to Maryville College will assemble at 12:30 p.m. at the MLK Center (209 East Franklin Street) in Alcoa. The program will begin promptly at 2 p.m. at the Clayton Center for the Arts at Maryville College. The keynote speaker is Dr. Frances Henderson, professor in Gender and Women’s Studies and African American and Africana Studies at the University of Kentucky. The MLK Celebration Mass Choir will render the music.

We loved seeing our DENSO families at the annual Children’s Holiday Party! Click here to view the full photo gallery on the DMTN Connection (only accessible from computers on DMTN campus).

DENSO is proud to support and employ U.S. veterans at every level of our operations. Recently, DMTN associates and Army veterans Bob Booker, Chad Smith and Jimmy Parsley visited our nation’s capitol. Accompanied by members of the DENSO Government Affairs team, they visited Congressional Representatives and attended the Here for America Drive In event. Here for America, an initiative of the Association of Global Automakers, educates policy makers and the public about the benefits of investments made by international automakers and suppliers in the United States. Learn more about the organization here.

L to R: Bob Booker (DMTN), Chad Smith (DMTN), Jennifer Heckmann (DIAM),  Jimmy Parsley (DMTN), and Bob Townsend (DIAM).

Associates in the Consolidated Warehouse (CWH) were recognized for delivering perfect quality last week. The team has surpassed a year with no A or B Rank delivery issues to the customer. And the trend has continued.

More recently, associates increased inspection has caught several quality issues before delivery, including wrong parts, broken parts and damaged packaging.

CWH is the “last line of defense before DENSO products are delivered to the customer,” explained Section Leader Nathan McCollom. “I’m proud to see these associates striving for perfect quality every day.”

As DENSO drives toward the future of mobility, quality expectations will become even higher. Remember:

• Follow standard work and procedures
• If work is unusual or unclear, seek advice from your leader
• Stop, Call, Wait if any abnormalities occur and
• Record evidence when checking quality and pay attention on the trend

During a recent visit to DMTN, DENSO PIC Executive Director Marty Yamanouchi (third from right) celebrated more than a year of no A or B Rank quality issues delivered from CWH. Alongside Yamanouchi are DMTN President Sean Nakamizo and CWH’s (L to R) Travis Tucker, Nathan McCollom, Brandon McMurray and Brad Harris.

Chicken biscuits were handed to CWH associates last week to recognize associates surpassing more than a year without any A or B Rank delivery issues sent to the customer. Keep up the good work!

We loved seeing all of you with your families at Family Day! Fortunately, the weather cooperated enough for us to have a wonderful evening full of baseball, food, fun and fireworks! We had over 4,200 people attend.

A photo gallery is available on the DMTN Connection, which is accessible from any DMTN computer. If you would like to request high-res versions of any of the photos, e-mail rachel_robinson@denso-diam.com

Watch the “Welcome to Family Day” Intro Video

Watch the Family Day Highlight Video

Watch the Tennessee Smokies Highlight Video of Family Day

Updated 6/7/19:

We are excited about Family Day at the Smokies TOMORROW, June 8! Here’s some additional information to ensure you have a great time!
Posting your pictures? Use the hashtag #DENSOFamilyDay

WEATHER:
– This event is rain or shine! Umbrellas and ponchos are allowed, and there are covered areas inside the stadium – like these:
– Rainout Policy – In the event that 4.5 innings are not played due to weather, that night’s ticket can be used towards the purchase of any future 2019 home game at Smokies Stadium. Associates need to keep their DENSO tickets and either call the box office or visit the box office in person to exchange their ticket(s).

SCHEDULE:
– Gates open at 5:00 PM – make sure you and your family members grab your souvenir, compliments of DENSO!
– Buffets will open at 5:00 PM.
– The national anthem will commence shortly after 6:30 PM, and the game starts at 7:00 PM.
– Fireworks show will be after the game.

OTHER:
– Both of the Calhoun’s buffets are covered (Calhoun’s at the Yard in the Left Outfield and Hoffman Patio in the Right Outfield). There are many 4 person tables with umbrellas past the outfield around the buffet areas.
– Make sure you stop by the photo booth and get your FREE family photo!
– Designated smoking is located outside the stadium. Show your ticket as you exit and re-enter the front gates.
– All bags, purses and other containers may be searched upon entry into stadium. Southern League rules prohibit the entry of any outside food and/or drink into the stadium. Items such as, but not limited to, noisemakers, beach balls, weapons, laser pointers, coolers, stadium chairs (with legs) are also not permitted inside Smokies Park.
– If you or any family members want to participate in the Smokies games, you can sign up with a Smokies Rally Crew Team Member at the Entry Gate or at Fan Assistance.
– Address to Smokies Stadium: 3540 Line Drive, Kodak, TN 37764

If you have additional questions, check out the Smokies FAQ page.

IF YOU PREVIOUSLY SIGNED UP FOR FAMILY DAY, BUT ARE REQUIRED TO WORK:
COC’s should e-mail Melissa Burns or Molly Knouff with the names of team members who required to work during Family Day.

We look forward to seeing you!

——————————————————————————–

TICKET DISTRIBUTION:

6 AM – 9 AM & 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM on the following days:
 – Monday – 6/3: Plant 203/204 (203 Shoe Lobby)
– Tuesday – 6/4: Plant 201
– Wednesday – 6/5: Plant 202
– Thursday – 6/6: Plant 101,102 (101 Associate Entrance)
*MT Division:  Pick-up from Kelly Sexton
*Plant 302:  Leaders will pass out tickets
*Plant 301, 301b, 105:  Pick up from 101 Receptionist Desk

REMINDERS & TIPS:

• Gates open at 5, Game starts at 7, Fireworks after the game.
• If you have kids, remember to bring a blanket for the grassy area near the Kid Zone.
• Face painting, balloons, inflatables, photo booth, etc. will be available in the Kid Zone.
• Free Parking – Just Say “DENSO”
• Don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Buffet is all inclusive. Concessions will be available at regular menu prices.
• Come and have a blast rain or shine!
• And last but not least, don’t forget your tickets!

VIP SEATING WINNERS:

*Please RSVP to Melissa Burns (x2533) or Molly Knouff (x2119) by phone or e-mail with the following information: Are you coming? If so, what is the total number of attendees, including yourself?

WINNERS – VIP Seating in the Garza Law Terrace:
*The Garza Law Terrace is located on the first base side of the Luxury Level with spectacular views of the game with private indoor and outdoor seating. Enjoy your private Calhoun’s buffet with your family.  Your VIP Terrace tickets will be ready for you at distribution.

1. Rusty Holloway – Dept. 371
2. Ramon Rodriguez – Dept. 583
3. Maria Escobar – Dept. 729
4. Mary Elmore – Dept. 472
5. Jacob Kitts – Dept. 516
6. Arthur Russell – Dept. 454
7. Ryan Holm – Dept. 434
8. Eric (Eli) Haun – Dept. 346
9. Michael Franklin – Dept. 470
10. Billy Palmer – Dept. 153
11. Bob Potter – Dept. 109
12. Tracie Lamas – Dept. 703
13. Daniel Patty – Dept. 328
14. Evan McClure – Dept. 403
15. Kelly Zadakaus – Dept. 554
16. Lawrence Winters – Dept. 153
17. Zachary Smith – Dept. 224
18. Giovonie Hendricks – Dept. 381
19. Karen Fielder – Dept. 558
20. John Castellanos – Dept. 154
21. Jeffrey Rhodes – Dept. 456

WINNERS –On-field seating for Fireworks Show:
*On-field firework winners will receive a special ticket for field entrance after the game. They will be with your general tickets at distribution.

QC Team – Chuck Davis & the Chamber of Acuras:

1. Taylor Viglasky – Dept. 443
2. Daniel Frith – Dept. 443
3. Kaleb Rife – Dept. 443
4. Amy Covert – Dept. 443
5. Charles Davis – Dept. 443
6. Lee Brown – Dept. 443
7. Robert Worsham – Dept. 443
8. Maura McNeilly – Dept. 443
9. Megan Hindman – Dept. 443
10. .Anthony Burger – Dept 443

QC Team – Turning Point:

1. Michael Tidwell – Dept. 293
2. Kent Sellars – Dept. 293
3. Scott Hance – Dept. 293
4. Rodney McNabb – Dept. 293
5. Sam Neeley – Dept. 293

IDEA Winners:

1. Brian Campbell – Dept. 327
2. Travis Williams – Dept. 327
3. Paul Palmer – Dept. 228
4. Susan Campbell – Dept. 408
5. Tim Tucker – Dept. 414
6. Bill Pressley – Dept 106
7. Brent Post – Dept 413

How fast would it take you to run 72 miles, with 18,660 feet of elevation, on one of the toughest rated trails on the planet?

For Electrification System’s Luke Bollschweiler, it’s an easy 14 hours and 28 minutes. Oh – and 33 seconds.

On March 30, Bollschweiler set the fastest known time (www.fastestknowntime.com) for S.C.A.R. – the Smokies Challenge Adventure Run. How do you accomplish this type of feat?

“Lots of weekend running, heavy weight training, squats until your knees fall off, and several failures,” laughs Bollschweiler.

In the running world, an ultra is a race longer than the standard 26.2 mile marathon, but also with several levels of difficulty, such as rocky conditions, elevation or other challenges.

It took three attempts to set the record. The first, hampered by rain storms, Bollschweiler stopped after mile 32. On the second try, five miles from the end, his headlamp stopped working.

“You have to think about all the little things you need,” said Bollschweiler. “Near the end, my lamp went out and I couldn’t see the rocks I was running on.” Dangerous for sure, so he had to stop.

Bollschweiler says his third time though, everything ran perfectly. Volunteers – several from DMTN – backpacked into eight station areas along the trail to provide food and water. After running the first 18 miles to Rocky Top and Thunderhead Mountain, he was 20 minutes ahead of record pace. From there, Bollschweiler focused on running flats and downhills efficiently. Up hills, “it was all power walking” to set the record.

To recognize his efforts, the documentary Ultraman will premiere Monday, April 29 at the Palace Theatre in Maryville. For details and tickets, visit ticketbud.com, click Events and search Ultraman.

DMTN Trail
When he’s not setting records, Bollschweiler maintains a 2.5 mile trail behind Building 101. The DMTN Trail is a moderate hike that starts north of the Associate Center and ends near the switchyard at the back of 101. A map of the trail is posted on the DMTN Connection Facilities page. Enjoy the hike!

ES Division’s Luke Bollschweiler runs along the DMTN Trail behind Building 101.

This time last year, Natalie Muneses was graduating from the University of Delaware with a biomedical engineering degree. Her next stop would be Tennessee, where she began her first rotation in the DENSO IGNITE program.

The IGNITE program has been in DENSO’s North America region for the past four years, aiming to get new associates familiar with various locations and departments within DENSO. Once hired into IGNITE, roughly eight associates per year complete two nine-month rotations at a NA location, one three-month rotation at DNJP, then return to another NA site for a final three-month rotation.

Natalie Muneses is the first IGNITE associate to work in the Safety, Health and Environment department. “This rotational program allows me to hone in on current gaps and best practices that each of our facilities has to offer, which will help us come together as one regional NA SHE team” she said. The majority of her focus has been on industrial hygiene and noise reduction.

SHE leader Shawn Bryant emphasized the advantage of having Muneses in Tennessee. With DMTN and DMAT being close in location, she was able to work at both sites during her first rotation. “Natalie worked with operations at DMAT and developed some solutions, then took those solutions to DMTN and vice-versa. That really shows the value in this rotational program,” said Bryant.

Muneses’ rotation in Tennessee ended last week and she was sent off with a potluck farewell party from the DMTN SHE team. Her next stop is to DMMI in Battle Creek, Michigan for nine months, then the entire IGNITE group will go to DNJP in April 2020.

If you know a college graduate who would be interested in gaining experience while working across multiple places within DENSO, encourage them to apply! More information can be found at https://densocareers.com/creative/campus-ignite.

WATCH VIDEO

Natalie Muneses (center) is the first IGNITE associate dedicated to the Safety, Health and Environment team.

It’s not the great wall of China and is made with blocks not bricks, but the PM wall in Facilities Maintenance is one massive wonder at DMTN.

There are approximately 300 preventive maintenance (PM) jobs performed weekly across campus – close to 1,000 for the month. Everything from air compressors and HVAC systems to lights and water fountains. Keeping track of those jobs – and the hours needed to perform each job – can be a daunting task. The wall has visualized the process, helped organize PMs and retained consistent performance for associates performing the maintenance.

“It’s been extremely helpful,” said Steve Seagle, Facilities Maintenance Manager. “We can better utilize skills; think as one DMTN and assess needs and hours to complete jobs much faster.” The board also identifies areas that may need additional resources or manpower.

The PMs are organized by plant and criticality in blocks, each including the number of jobs, number of hours and completion percentage. And recently, PMs at Plant 204 have extended the data onto a second wall.

Facility Maintenance’s Butch Dreier oversees the wall. “It’s a good tool. Being able to visualize jobs in coming months, it helps. Especially when we look at scheduling overtime.”

Maintaining equipment, especially critical equipment, is essential to DMTN’s future and Facilities Maintenance is working together to build that success, one block at a time.

Amanda Nelson updates the preventive maintenance wall for Facilities Maintenance.