Electrification Systems Division logistics associates were treated to a celebratory lunch on all three shifts last week after a successful warehouse transformation. For the past seven months, associates have moved receiving to Building 301, shipping to 101 and eliminated rental costs with removal of the Derby warehouse.

During the project, the WMS inventory system was installed to enhance and improve flow for future growth. Throughout the transformation, no A/B rank shipping or customer issues were recorded and the move was made with no safety incidents.

“We cannot thank this group of associates enough,” said DMTN Logistics Section Leader Crystal Dunn. “This was a major undertaking and everyone should be thanked immensely.”

In addition to logistics, appreciation was extended to support groups from TIE, WMS and PC. Great job!

DMTN Logistics Section Leader Crystal Dunn (left) serves lunch in celebration of a successful logistics warehouse transformation.

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!

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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

DMTN would like to congratulate our nine DENSO Scholarship winners.  Joined by their family, the seniors were recognized during a ceremony last week.

The DENSO Scholarship provides $2,000 for the first year of continuing education at a two or four year college or university. Five scholarship recipients are randomly drawn from each of the business divisions and four scholarships are selected by the local high schools.

Congratulations to these outstanding high school students!

Recognizing the 2019 DENSO Scholarship winners are Jon Callies (L), DMTN Vice President and Sean Nakamizo (R), DMTN President. The scholarship recipients this year are (L to R): Abbey Kolarik, Molly Russell, Garrett Brantley, Gabriel Bonneville and Nathan Yates. Not pictured are Nathaniel Dudek, Lauren Eccles, Kameron Rainey and Kareem Rodriquez.

In 2017, 5,147 construction workers lost their lives on the job in the United States (BLS.gov).  Over the past couple of years, DMTN Safety and Health – in harmony with the Facilities Engineering department – has been improving contractor construction safety on campus, leading to some impressive results.

With more than 200 contract personnel on site each day and the rapid expansion DMTN has seen for the past couple of years, a dedicated safety specialist was needed to enhance the contractor safety program. Safety and Health Senior Specialist Gregory Baker has filled that gap. For the past few years, Baker has been working closely with construction contractors auditing their safety performance, which has helped them reevaluate their safety training and enforcement.

Facilities Engineering has also enhanced their safety reviews and education development in the last year, reinforcing the success of the program. Manager Eric Fields and DNJP Coordinator Jun Sakai have spearheaded the development of DENSO project leader’s safety knowledge through better organization of construction safety education. As a result, project leaders can hold contractors more responsible for their safety.

“The contracting companies are much more engaged and involved,” said Baker. “We coach them and hold them extremely accountable for their actions and their awareness of safety while operating on campus.  As a result, contractors place a much higher importance on safety at DMTN.”

The results are impressive; three major expansion projects completed with zero major injuries, recognition as a best practice program within North America SHE and improved safety engagement with our contracting companies. It’s a true example of how by working together, we keep a safety mindset a top priority.

SHE Senior Specialist Gregory Baker (L) verifies proper rigging techniques with contractors from Cherokee Millwright during a recent safety audit.

In a special visit to Tennessee, Shinsuke J. Sugiyama, Ambassador of Japan to the United States, made a stop at DMTN to learn about the business, tour various areas across campus and see how the automotive market is shifting to become safer, more connected and autonomous.

During his visit, Ambassador Sugiyama visited the Electric Hybrid Vehicle (EHV) department to see how electrification is changing the way vehicles are powered. He then toured the Consolidated Warehouse (CWH), took a moment to autograph one of the first parts at Global Safety Package and saw how Body Electronics are improving efficiencies in the automotive market.

During a wrap up meeting with DMTN leaders, Ambassador Sugiyama was “extremely happy with the visit and excited to learn more about DENSO and Tennessee.”

Ambassador Sugiyama was impressed with the speed of development at DENSO and the global collaboration between the two countries.

“From now on, I’m going to tell everyone how Japan and the United States are doing some really fantastic things at DENSO.”

Manager Stanley Simmons (center) explains the inverter process and equipment to Ambassador Sugiyama in the Electric Hybrid Vehicle (EHV) department.

Ambassador Sugiyama (right) greets Body Electronics Director Mike Peevy ahead of touring Plant 203. (OPTIONAL) Looking on are (L to R) Mobility Director David Byrum; DMTN Executive Coordinator Toyohisa Nakano; DMTN President Jack Helmboldt and DENSO North America CEO Kenichiro Ito.

Now prepared for full production of millimeter wave radar, Ambassador Sugiyama autographs one of the first parts off the GSP2 line in Plant 204.

Chuntao Ye (R) walks Ambassador Sugiyama through the warehouse process in Plant 302. OPTIONAL Behind the ambassador (L to R), Senior Manager Tom Cole; DMTN President Jack Helmboldt; DMTN Vice President Hidecki Ichikawa and Toyohisa Nakano, DMTN Executive Coordinator, look on.

After touring DMTN, DENSO North America CEO Kenichiro Ito (R) presents Ambassador Sugiyama with “Made in Tennessee” items to commemorate his visit.

Pictured front row (L to R): Masahiko Uchino, Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan in the USA; Jack Helmboldt, DMTN President; Shinsuke J. Sugiyama, Ambassador of Japan to the USA; Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Consul-General of Japan in Nashville; Kenichiro Ito, CEO, DENSO North America and Itsuro Abe, Consul, Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville. Back row (L to R): Masato Kitamae, DMTN Executive Project Leader; Toyohisa Nakano, DMTN Executive Coordinator; Chuntao Ye, DMTN Senior Vice President; Hidecki Ichikawa, DMTN Executive Coordinator; Marty Deschenes, DMTN Vice President; Bob Booker, DMTN Senior Manager and Jennifer Heckmann, Senior Program Manager, DENSO North America.

The results are in – thanks to your participation and giving, we surpassed our 2018 United Way Campaign goal! Your donations will help United Way fight for the health, education and self-sufficiency of every person in our community.

2019 Campaign Results:

• Associate giving : $237,212 (goal was $230,000)
• Burger lunch: $10,534.50
• FANtastic Fridays: $5,865

TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED: $253,611.50      

Awards:  DENSO received the Campaign Impact Award as well as the Gas Day “Best Big Business” Award!

Prize Winners:  Those of you who turned in your pledge cards by October 21 were entered into a prize drawing. Click here to view the list of names who won a prize. Please note: Prizes can be claimed in 2019 from Jessica Storey (x2219) in the 101 Corporate Services office.

A global effort to transition 10 D-Pro lines from DWAM to DMTN is nearly complete. Later this month, the California location will shut down and Tennessee will ramp up to full production.

The D-Pro lines manufacture modules for video processors and data controls, emergency notification systems, IVI and more. As part of the transition, close to 30 associates from DWAM have moved to Tennessee. The whole process – which has taken two years – has been a collaborative effort between both locations and DNJP.

“When we first started talking about this transition, it seemed like an impossible task,” said Mark Johnson, Engineering Manager, Cockpit and Connected Products. “We quickly realized there was no obstacle too large that couldn’t be accomplished as a group.”

Next year, production is slated to double and D-Pro associates aim to continue their trend of zero customer incidents and plans are to further improve competitiveness through continuous kaizens.

“I’m very happy with what we’ve accomplished and it wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of each and every associate involved,” said Johnson.

Cockpit and Connected division associate Jamarr Norfolk makes a final inspection at the DCM line of D-Pro.

Female middle and high school students from the Boys and Girls Club of Blount County visited DMTN last week as part of Manufacturing Day. The students watched the DENSO film Dream Big, participated in a panel discussion with production and engineering leaders, met Sandy – DMTN’s newest robot – and toured the Machinery and Tools division.

“This visit not only allowed our members to see first-hand your local operations, but also showcases great opportunities for female students in the work place,” said Jeff Money, Boys and Girls Club of Blount County Executive Director. “We cannot thank DENSO enough.”

Manufacturing Day aims to educate future students in innovation and engineering and get them excited about manufacturing careers. Learn more about the program at http://www.mfgday.com.

Advanced Specialist Jared Chesnut explains how robots are used in the manufacturing process to students of the Boys and Girls Club of Blount County.

During Manufacturing Day, female students from the Boys and Girls Club of Blount County took part in a panel discussion with engineers at DENSO.

During a Manufacturing Day visit, students with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Blount County met the newest robot at DENSO – Sandy – who projects an interactive, colorful topographical map on a sandbox using surface data received from an Xbox Kinect sensor.

THANK YOU to everyone who volunteered and participated in the United Way Burger Lunch last Friday! Here’s how we did:
– 2,341 burgers sold
– $10,608 raised
This was an awesome start to our 2018 United Way Campaign here at DMTN. Keep up the good work!