News Archive
Remote Access
O365 Access DIAM VDI DIAM Remote Access TAC Remote Access (DMMI, DMAR, DMCN) DMTN VDI DMAT VDI DMTN Remote Access DMAT Remote Access DPAM Remote Access DSCN Remote Access

Quick Links

DENSO North America Website DENSO Presentation Library Oracle Fusion Oracle Fusion Help DENSO Benefits Healthy Horizons Empower Retirement Spotlight Recognition DMTN Associate Resource Center
News Archive
Remote Access
O365 Access DIAM VDI DIAM Remote Access TAC Remote Access (DMMI, DMAR, DMCN) DMTN VDI DMAT VDI DMTN Remote Access DMAT Remote Access DPAM Remote Access DSCN Remote Access

DMCN Associates #ChoosetoChallenge for International Women’s Day


Meet Scott Maeda, our new NA CEO


Creating a D&I Culture – One Line at a Time

Search by Topic

  • Business
  • Innovation
  • Safety
  • Quality
  • Associate Spotlight
  • Community
  • HR Announcements
Have a Story? Contact Us

Business

  • business
  • innovation
  • safety

DENSO Sponsors SAE WCX Digital Summit

April 13, 2021

We are pleased to share that DENSO is sponsoring SAE International’s 2021 WCX Digital Summit, taking place April 13-15. The sponsorship helps DENSO connect with industry leaders, while advancing the conversation of how the automotive world can create safer and more sustainable mobility through innovation and working together.

DENSO’s presence at this year’s show will include:

  • A keynote presentation titled, “Edge Computing in ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems),” on Wednesday, April 14, 11-11:30 a.m. ET. Roger Berg, vice president of North America Research and Development at DENSO, will discuss connectivity’s increasing role in mobility ecosystems.
  • A panel called, “Leadership Summit: Evolution of the Vehicle Architecture,” on Tuesday, April 13, 4:15-5:30 p.m. ET. Mike Murzyn, vice president of Engineering in DENSO’s mobility products group, will discuss among others the growing need for collaboration in vehicle development as they become more complex.

To register, go here: https://bit.ly/3e19GpU

“I look forward to not only sharing how edge computing contributes to intelligent transportation systems, but also learning from other presenters about how they’re tackling our industry’s biggest issues,” said Berg. “SAE WCX is always a great give and take, underscoring the need for all of us to leverage each other’s strengths to make mobility cleaner, safer and more efficient.”

This year’s event arrives as DENSO is recommitting to its two great causes: “Green” – acting environmentally friendly – and “Peace of Mind” – creating seamless and safe mobility for all. This is part of Reborn 21, the company’s internal plan to build a leaner and more robust corporate structure and respond flexibly to new market needs. It will also propel DENSO toward its Long-term Policy 2030, focused on enriching mobility and the well-being of society.

Beyond 2030, DENSO aims to become carbon neutral by 2035. To accomplish this, the company is focusing on three areas: manufacturing, mobility products and energy use. DENSO has already begun the effort, recently launching its first CO2 plant at its Anjo Electrification Center in Japan to capture and recycle carbon and help power the facility.

  • business

DENSO Aims to Hire Almost 100 Interns, Co-Ops at NSBE Convention

April 6, 2021

Today we announced DENSO is sponsoring and attending the National Society of Black Engineers’ (NSBE) 47th Annual Convention, held virtually this year April 5-9. Our support is part of the company’s continued focus on improving diversity and inclusion (D&I) not just within our own walls, but across the automotive industry.

“Mobility is constantly evolving,” said Denise Carlson, vice president of DENSO’s North American Production Innovation Center and the company’s executive lead for D&I. “In order to meet its changing demands, we are building teams with people who have dynamic backgrounds and perspectives, which helps us innovate more quickly and create more impactful solutions. It’s why we’re at NSBE, and it’s crucial to our future success.”

During the event, we look to hire nearly 100 co-ops and interns for summer 2021, fall 2021 and spring 2022. Roles will be available at various DENSO locations, including our North American headquarters in Southfield, Michigan; our thermal manufacturing facility in Battle Creek, Michigan; and our manufacturing facilities in Osceola, Arkansas, and in Athens and Maryville, Tennessee. Know someone who might be interested? Send them here: https://bit.ly/3fcCHRI.

We also intend to hire participants for our IGNITE Program, a two-year rotational assignment that offers recent college graduates unique career development opportunities, virtually and in person, at different DENSO sites. These roles will be based in Southfield, Michigan; Plano, Texas; and Maryville, Tennessee. Direct those who might be a fit to this link: https://bit.ly/31B7bFi.

For more about our presence at this year’s event and why it’s important to creating more inclusive work environments, go here: https://bit.ly/3mqhO76

  • business

Protected: Program a New Career

February 11, 2021

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

  • business
  • associate spotlight

Introducing our new North America CEO Seiji “Scott” Maeda

January 14, 2021

Get to know our new CEO of DENSO in North America and President of DENSO International America – Seiji “Scott” Maeda!

  • business

[Video] President Arima’s 2021 New Year Kanji Message for Associates

January 4, 2021

Global President Arima shares his New Year message with associates in a single Kanji: “Katsu”. President Arima explains three meanings behind the word:

  1. Maximizing your energy
  2. Inspiring each other
  3. Liven up DENSO

This is his hope for DENSO and our associates in 2021!

Learn more in his video message, or click here to read an overview:

  • business

Protected: First-half Financial results and Q&A

December 21, 2020

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

  • business
  • community

DENSO Global Celebrates 71 Years

December 16, 2020
Read More
  • business
  • innovation
  • associate spotlight

Congratulations 2020 TPD Contest Winners & Participants!

November 20, 2020

The DIAM Technical Presentation Development (TPD) Contest is an opportunity for engineers to showcase their projects, while competing in front of a panel of judges for best overall presentation and insight into problem-solving, innovation, efficiency or other aspects of the project and process.

This year’s contest, held Nov. 19, was the first time the event was in a virtual format, adding a new level of challenge for participants. Please join us in giving a round of applause to all our participants for their hard work, preparation, and flexibility.

Congratulations to our winners!  

First Place

Peter Atencio, PG3

Topic: Laser Welding – Optimization for your Application

Second Place

William Bickel, PG2

Topic: RU COM Development & Validation

Third Place

Eric Armbruster, PG3

Topic: Trailer Detection and Size Estimation Using Rear Corner Radar

Great job participants!

Participant Group Topic
Dan McGrail PG2 Novel Design of a High Force Density Solenoid
Eric Armbruster PG3 Trailer Detection and Size Estimation Using Rear Corner Radar
Vincent Lee PG2 D2UC wipe quality issue
Christian Munte PG3 Mobility Platform Over the Air Update (OTA)
Matt Johnson NAREC Park Place: A new mobility opportunity takes a back seat to save $50M
Peter Atencio PG3 Laser Welding: Design Optimization For Your Application
William Bickel PG2 Alternator Design & Development for GMET6 Engine
Mike Pinger PG1 HVAC Heat Pickup
George Hadley PG3 RCCM Calibration Automation Development

 

  • business
  • innovation

DENSO Invests in Lambda:4

  • business

DENSO Named to Fortune’s Global 500 List

August 19, 2020

The work of our associates is integral to making DENSO the company it is today. Which is why we want to take a moment to thank and congratulate you for being part of the team that allowed us to be recognized on Fortune’s Global 500 list.

This list looks at the world’s largest, most successful companies, and who together employ 69.9 million across 32 countries. Being included among these big and best-known brands is a testament to the work you do every day to ensure we are delivering the best quality products to our customers and partners around the world.

We’re always looking for more people like you to help us continue to grow and succeed. If you know someone who would be a great fit for our team, send them our way – densocareers.com.

  • business

DENSO Announces First Quarter Financial Results

July 31, 2020

Earlier today, global headquarters announced our first quarter financial results (ending June 30). The results reflect the difficult impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across all regions. As we look to the future, safety and sustainability will be at the forefront of everything we do. 

  • business
  • innovation

New Innovation Center Reinforces Electrification Focus

June 12, 2020

At DENSO, we have a long history of producing products that push electrification technologies into the future. Last week, we doubled down on our promise to produce electrified automotive products, systems and technologies by opening an Electrification Innovation Center in Ajno, Aichi, Japan.

DENSO has long been a pioneer in hybrid and electric vehicle technology, and that tradition continues today. In 2018, it was a large part of our Second Founding, which focuses on key initiatives like electrification, automated driving, connected cars and other non-automotive business areas to prepare us for the future. This facility will help advance that commitment and rapidly transform new ideas into high-quality electrification products for our customers. Better yet, our associates will also create new energy conservation tech to help us reach our zero CO2 emissions goal at the new plant!

The Electrification Innovation Center will include:

  • A development building to focus on developing and testing advanced production technologies
  • A durability building to focus on reliability testing
  • An outdoor track to test new products
  • A production plant to support the quick establishment of a mass production line

To learn more about how this Electrification Innovation Center will support our commitment to a more sustainable future, click here.

  • business

Our Strengths: Hitozukuri

January 28, 2020

Hitozukuri: Human resource development

DENSO believes associates are our most important management resource. That’s why we focus on their training and skill development. We believe, “The best products are made by the best human resources.” As we look to achieve our Long-term Policy and success beyond 2030, we rely on a broad range of global initiatives to develop leaders who can take charge of new businesses and oversee the future of DENSO.

To learn more about Hitozukuri, click here.

  • business

Reinforcing our Strengths: Hitozukuri

Read More
  • business

Our Strengths: Monozukuri

January 21, 2020

Since our founding, DENSO’s Monozukuri – the art of making things – has integrated in-house technologies. It gives us the positive foundation to design and manufacture equipment, production lines, materials and processing methods. By doing so, we can provide society with the world’s most advanced groundbreaking technologies and products conceived by our R&D.

To learn more about Monozukuri and the keys to this strength, click here.

  • business

Reinforcing our Strengths: Monozukuri

Read More
  • business

Our Strengths: Research & Development

January 14, 2020

By accurately anticipating social needs, DENSO has created competitive products with a commitment to world-firsts. Our R&D activities are the foundation that allows us to create products and technologies in a wide range of industries. To create optimal products in each region, enhance the appeal of automobiles and contribute to the future automotive society, we operate technical centers and laboratories around the world.

To learn more about our R&D and the keys to this strength, click here.

 

  • business

Reinforcing Our Strengths: Research & Development

Read More
  • business

Protected: Global New Year Message 2020 from President Arima

January 13, 2020

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

  • business
  • associate spotlight

New DMIA Plant Manager: Andrea Caratti

January 10, 2020

Since joining DENSO, Andrea Caratti, from Northern Italy, has been able to cross off many major cities in the United States from his travel bucket list; Chicago, Washington DC, and New York City to name a few. After recently accepting a new role, Caratti is venturing further into the U.S. as Plant Manager of DENSO Manufacturing Michigan Iowa (DMIA).

Caratti started his career with DENSO six years ago at DENSO Thermal Systems S.p.A. (DNTS) in Italy. DNTS is a part of DENSO TEC, the Thermal Europe Center. As the Logistics Manager, he enjoyed getting to work with many of DENSO’s customers within the Off Road Special Applications Business Unit (ORSA). This group makes parts for bigger, off-highway customers, like John Deere. In his new role at DMIA, he will continue working with these customers.

Caratti came to DENSO with a master’s degree in automotive engineering and work experience at Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Caratti said he is looking forward to the new challenge.

“I’m very thankful for it, and know that we will all do a great job together,” Caratti said.

One element Caratti said he’s not looking forward to is winter. His favorite hobby, outdoor cycling, will have to wait until spring returns to Iowa.

Caratti has enjoyed seeing new perspectives of the company, and said he looks forward to continuing to interact with other DENSO plants.

Congratulations on your new role at DENSO!

  • business

Our Future: Mid-term Plan – Keeping us on track

January 7, 2020

Our Long-term Plan is a checkpoint in our journey to our Long-term Policy. But what will keep us on the right path to our Long-term Plan? Our Mid-Term Plan. With 2022 targets of ¥5.6 trillion and an operating margin of more than 8%, it focuses on three perspectives:

Taking on the Challenge of Creating New Value

  • Establish de facto standards in integrated vehicle systems and lead the way in electrification and automated driving
  • Create new value and business models for mobility services
  • Position FA and agriculture as new business pillars
  • Flexibly create new products in epicenters of innovation around the world

Strengthening Profitability to Support Future Growth

  • Implement speedy business management through a smaller head office and headquarters and enhance Group companies in Japan and overseas
  • Establish sources for competitiveness by creating innovative technologies using our key devices and establishing industry standards
  • Realize unrivaled front-line capabilities through DANTOTSU plants and factory IoT
  • Significantly accelerate development and bloster profitability through co-creation with business partners and business process innovation

Reforming Our Management Foundation

  • Inherit the DENSO Creed and establish a solid foundation for quality and safety in new domains, such as robotics and digitization
  • Draw on the power of individuals and maximize speed and front-line vitality by developing motivated human resources and utilizing cutting-edge IT
  • Establish lean production systems throughout the supply chain and enhance the competitiveness of our manufacturing
  • Develop businesses with an awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals in order to create a sustainable society

With these in the forefront of our minds, we’ll head into 2022 with the foundation necessary to reach our goals for 2026 and beyond. Let’s go!

  • business

Ambassador of Japan to the U.S. visits DENSO’s Regional Headquarters

December 20, 2019

This week, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States of America, Shinsuke J. Sugiyama, visited DENSO’s regional headquarters in Southfield, Mich.

It was an opportunity for the Ambassador to learn more about DENSO, our technology, commitment to sustainability, and future direction. While it was the Ambassador’s first trip to Michigan, he’s no stranger to DENSO, having visited DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee earlier this year. This trip was a follow-up to continue to strengthen our relationship with him, and to share more about our R&D capabilities and thermal footprint in the region.

Ambassador Sugiyama was joined by Consul General Tsutomu Nakagawa and Consul Yuki Ebihara of the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit, and First Secretary Takafumi Iwasaki of the Embassy of Japan in the United States.

“It was a special opportunity to host the Ambassador, Consul Generals and First Secretary, on the day of DENSO’s 70th anniversary,” said Robert Townsend, Vice President of Corporate Services. “We recognized DENSO’s strong history and bright future. The Ambassador was especially interested in DENSO’s commitment to our associates, our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the technology and innovation we’re developing right here in North America.”

In addition to formal presentations and discussion, our guests experienced DENSO’s Intelligent Comfort Demonstration and toured our technical testing chambers.

Those representing DENSO at the meeting included:

Kenichiro Ito, North America President & CEO

Kazuoki Matsugatani, Executive Officer, R&D

Stephen Milam, Executive Officer, Corporate Function, Powertrain, Electrification

Makoto Hasegawa, Group Head, VP, Corporate Finance

Andris Staltmanis, CEO of DENSO Manufacturing Michigan

Mr. Keishima, President of DENSO TEN

Makoto Tanaka, Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Robert Townsend, VP, Corp. Services

Julie Kerr, Sr. Manager, Corporate Communications

Jennifer Heckmann, Sr. Program Manager, Government Affairs

  • business

DENSO in History: Certified professional system

December 3, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: “Structural Reform Review Day”

December 2, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Direct-driven type fully automatic bus air conditioner

November 25, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: DENSO SPIRIT

November 22, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Establishment of sales company network consisting of 8 blocks nationwide

November 21, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: From “DENSO Kyoryokukai” to “DENSO Hishokai”

November 19, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Functional corporate spin-off

November 14, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Zenmyo Plant construction

November 13, 2019
Read More
  • business

Our Future: Long-term Plan – Our Focus Fields

We have a robust Long-term Policy that requires focus on the activities that will drive us to achieve our goals. As outlined in our Long-term Plan, we need to focus on these four fields:

  1. Electrification – reducing environmental burden and realizing highly efficient mobility
  2. Advanced Safety and Automated Driving – realizing a safe society without accidents, and free and comfortable mobility
  3. Connected Cars – realizing a new mobile society that connects vehicles, people and goods
  4. Non-Automotive Businesses (Factory Automation and Agriculture) – contributing to improved social and industrial productivity

For more details and explanation about each, click here.

With a keen focus on these four areas, we’ll not only reach our goals, we’ll contribute to the improvement of industrial and social productivity. Let’s go!

  • business

DENSO in History: Announcement of “DENSO VISION 2005”

November 12, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: NIPPON DENSO to DENSO

November 11, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Birth of QR code

November 8, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Opening of Kitakyushu Plant

November 7, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: NIPPON DENSO Cup College Soccer

November 6, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: First DENSO Muran held

Read More
  • business

Our Future: Long-term Plan – Our Organizational Reforms

To achieve our Long-term Policy, DENSO must evolve as a company. What does this mean? It means change. Change at all levels to benefit the organization. It even means change of the organization’s structure.

As part of our Long-term Plan, our path to achieving our Long-term Policy, we’ve identified two organizational reforms:

  1. Enhancing a Vehicle-Based Perspective – establishment of Mobility Systems Business Unit to optimize development based on vehicle systems, not individual businesses
  2. Strengthening Competitiveness by Streamlining the Technological Development of Our Four Key Devices – streamlined development of all ECUs into the Electronics Business Unit, and development of sensors and semiconductors into the Sensor & Semiconductor Business Unit; both of these were previously done within individual businesses

These two reforms will internally align us to work stronger and faster. To learn more, click here.

  • business

DENSO in History: Agui Plant construction

November 5, 2019
Read More
  • business
  • community

Focusing on Tomorrow’s Workforce Today

Tomorrow’s workforce isn’t something we can think about later. We need to engage students at an early age and create excitement and appropriate training for their future careers.

Today, John Brown, Vice President of HR at DENSO Manufacturing North Carolina, and DENSO Executive Advisor Jack Helmboldt, joined Representative Ted Budd of North Carolina to discuss community workforce development, specifically, how companies and government can work together to build a workforce of the future. Topics included challenges in finding talent, how to prepare middle and high school students, what training is offered and how to connect students to training and job opportunities.

  • business

DENSO in History: Establishment of Corporate Communication Division

November 4, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Type III alternator attained No. 1 share in the world

November 1, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Opening of Toyohashi and Kota Plants

October 31, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Opening of technical training center

October 30, 2019
Read More
  • business

Our Future: Long-term Plan – Our Pillars

The path to achieving our Long-term Policy is our Long-term Plan. How does it do this? By guiding us in our evolution to an organization that acts with increased speed in an invigorating workplace.

Evolution requires change, and change must come from the top. That’s why the Long-term Plan has The Five Pillars of Management Reform:

  1. Enhancement of Vehicle Perspective and Streamlining of Technological Development
  2. Advanced R&D Function to Realize Agile Development Globally
  3. Business Unit Evolution and Smaller but Stronger Headquarters
  4. Global Management with Optimal Use of Group and Regional Power
  5. Way of Working with Tremendous Speed and Efficiency

What do these mean? Click here to learn more. Let’s go!

  • business

DENSO in History: Start of ABS Mass Production

October 29, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Entry into India

October 28, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: TQC activities

October 25, 2019
Read More
  • business
  • community

DENSO Awarded Silver Level Veteran Friendly Employer Award

DENSO was recognized as a Silver Level Veteran Friendly Employer by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) on Wednesday, October 25 at our Battle Creek, Michigan location.

Of the 338 employers and organizations involved in the Veteran-Friendly Employer program, only 8 percent have achieved the Silver-Level honor!

“We recognize the sacrifices military veterans have made for our country, and we’re honored to serve them in return by helping them build fulfilling careers,” said Kevin Carson, president of DENSO’s Battle Creek facility, and a U.S. Navy veteran. “The experience and skills veterans bring to DENSO’s workforce are invaluable, as their unique backgrounds and talents give us the fresh perspective needed to grow. We are thrilled to achieve Silver-Level status as a Veteran-Friendly Employer and will always seek new ways to further attract and support those who have served our country.”

To qualify as a Silver Level Veteran Friendly Employer, DENSO in Battle Creek (DMMI) implemented onboarding, community outreach and other support programs for veterans and active duty military employees.

DENSO’s thermal manufacturing facility in Battle Creek has nearly 200 military-veteran employees and continuously seeks to integrate and support veterans in its workforce. If you are a veteran, or interested in supporting our veterans, contact Jack Carlsen or Cindy Dawson, co-chairs of the DENSO Veterans Network, to get involved.

  • business

DENSO in History: Opening of Daian Plant

October 24, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Japan’s first digital meter

October 23, 2019
Read More
  • business

Our Future: Long-term Plan – Our First Stop

Our Long-term Policy focuses on 2030, but how do we know if we are on the right path? That’s the purpose of our Long-term Plan for 2025. Designed to help us reach our 2030 goals, the plan is based on four focus fields:

  • Growth – focus on the development and commercialization of new mobility fields – electrification, advanced safety/automated driving, connected cars – to drive growth with current customers and create opportunities with new customers.
  • Profitability – further solidify our earnings base from components, while enhancing the profitability from our existing thermal management, energy management and information management technologies.
  • Differentiation – strengthen the development of ECUs, semiconductors, sensors and motors to differentiate DENSO technology offerings from competitor’s products
  • Organizational Capabilities – accelerate our business execution and create an invigorating workplace.

By nurturing these in one another, we will drive DENSO to meet its growth targets. Let’s go!

 

 

  • business

DENSO in History: SR radiator

October 18, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: High precision x high speed

October 16, 2019
Read More
  • business

Our Future: Long-term Policy – Our Approach

Our Long-term Policy is a vision of what we want DENSO to be in 2030. But what do we need to do to get there? To start, we need to abide by three principles – Open, Fair, Reliable.

With these three principles guiding us, we’ll have the approach and attitude necessary to achieve our goals. Let’s go!

  • business

DENSO in History: Towards engine general control system

October 15, 2019
Read More
  • business
  • associate spotlight

We are Manufacturing

We make things. Even if we don’t work on the manufacturing line, or design or sell our technologies, we all have a role in making things.

We’re celebrating manufacturing all month long! See how we’re busting manufacturing myths, and celebrating National Manufacturing Day across the region.

  • business

DENSO in History: First Good Design Award

October 14, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Introduction of business unit system

October 11, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Takatana Plant opening

October 10, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: First QC Circle Division Manager Gold Award

October 9, 2019
Read More
  • business

Our Future: Long-term Policy – Our Destination

We’re in the mobility business, so it makes sense we have a plan for where we are going and how we get there. That’s what our Long-term Policy is – a vision for what we want DENSO to be in 2030.

So where are we going? Working as One DENSO, we want to develop sustainable mobility solutions that bring happiness and peace of mind to everyone. We’ll do this by focusing on three themes:

  • Green – contribute to sustainability by increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impact
  • Peace of mind – contribute to future mobility that is safer, more comfortable and convenient for everyone
  • Inspiring – contribute to happiness for everyone through inspiring value-added offerings.

Together, we will get there. Let’s go!

  • business

Busting Manufacturing Myths

October 8, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Full-scale local production

Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Nishio Plant construction

October 4, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO Celebrates Manufacturing Day All of October

To inspire the next generation of manufacturers, DENSO is celebrating Manufacturing Day today and throughout the month with a variety of programs and events at our locations across North America.

Our 70-year history is rooted in crafting advanced automotive components and systems for almost every vehicle make and model on the road. Today, DENSO is at the forefront of automated and data-rich manufacturing, or Industry 4.0, and provides tech-forward training for our associates to learn new skills and advance their careers.

To addresses common misperceptions and the stigma around manufacturing, DENSO is excited to host student tours at our Maryville facility; review manufacturing-themed essays from students in Athens, Tennessee, and Osceola, Arkansas; and visit colleges and universities in Michigan, Mexico and North Carolina to showcase the rewarding careers possible in the field of manufacturing. For more details on these community events and programs, read our press release here.

“Too often, there is a stigma around manufacturing, but the fact is this – manufacturing is changing the world,” said Shinichi Nakamizo, executive officer of DENSO Corporation and North American Manufacturing, and president of DENSO’s Maryville, Tennessee, facility. “Manufacturing allows us to keep pace with the new demands of mobility. It creates an environment in which our employees can learn new skills and excel. And it allows us to build a collaborative, diverse and inclusive workforce that is helping revolutionize transportation and move society forward.”

  • business

DENSO in History: Anjo explosion accident

October 3, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Anjo plant construction

September 30, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Construction of Hiroshima & Ikeda plant

September 26, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Towards a Global DENSO

September 25, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Participation in the 1st National Skills Competition

September 24, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Upgrading of headquarters

September 20, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: The Isewan Typhoon

September 19, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Slogan “Good Product Low Cost”

September 18, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Car cooler launched

September 17, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: THE NIPPONDENSO SPIRIT

September 16, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: From craftsmanship to advanced precision processing technology

September 12, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: The company’s first “5-Year Plan”

September 11, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: Sales of electric washing machines

September 9, 2019
Read More
  • business

DENSO in History: 1951 Company made a profit for the first time

Read More
70
  • business

DENSO in History: 1949 Nippon Denso established

September 5, 2019
Read More
  • business

Crafting the Future of Mobility – Through Talent

August 26, 2019

This month, auto industry leaders and influencers gathered at the annual Center for Automotive Research’s (CAR) Management Briefing Seminars (MBS) in Traverse City, Michigan. And while the focus was on the future of the industry and the technologies that will drive it, there also was formal and informal discussions about the talent necessary to get the industry where it wants to be.

As part of a panel discussion, Kara Grasso, vice president of Strategic Operations at DENSO, spoke about how automotive and mobility companies can attract and retain technical talent as well as how a diverse workforce enables greater innovative thinking, brings different perspectives to the decision-making process and accelerates the pace of R&D.

In addition to having Grasso share her talent attraction insight, DENSO also sponsored the MBS Student Program, which provides undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in the auto industry to participate in the event. Students had the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and executives to learn about current issues the industry faces as well as get first-hand experience with some of the advanced technologies that will be on future vehicles.

These activities, along with our IGNITE program, which offers new hires the opportunity to work in different jobs at various DENSO locations for two years, are ways in which the company is adapting to attract and keep a diversified workforce.

To learn more about Grasso’s remarks at MBS, read this Automotive News article.

  • business

DIAM-Ohio Reps Visit Ohio Governor’s Residence

DENSO representatives Bryan Starr and DJ Smith were invited to the Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s residence, along with other Japanese based companies in Ohio, to thank us for our continued contribution in the state.

This reception was a kickoff for the Midwest U.S. Japan Association Conference, which will be held in Tokyo, September 7-10. Representatives from DENSO will attend the conference and hold meetings with Michigan, Ohio and Indiana government officials to continue to strengthen our community relationships.

  • business
  • innovation

Next CoA HVAC Line Starts Up with World-Class Recognition

August 13, 2019

The next CoA (common, compact, collaborative) HVAC line started production at DENSO’s manufacturing facility in Battle Creek on July 22. Although it is the second CoA line, associates throughout the region made sure it is a project filled with firsts.

“The goal for this project was localization, and it was a huge development opportunity,” said Mike Curbey, HVAC Engineering Manager. “This is the first CoA line in the world to be built 100% locally.”

CoA2 is also the first HVAC line with IoT (Internet of Things) connectivity and the first line at DENSO in Battle Creek with a collaborative robot.

Senior Engineering Technician Eric Paulson said that the team at DENSO in Battle Creek worked closely with machine builders at DENSO in Maryville, Tennessee on the localization effort.

“One of our biggest challenges was helping the machine builders understand our needs exactly,” Eric said. “We were starting with something originally designed in Japan and asking the DENSO Tennessee team to build it to the specifications of our local needs in Michigan. We just had to figure all of that out.”

The new line will produce HVACs for three Subaru models produced in the United States. Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) has already recognized the line as a world-class process.

Congratulations to everyone that made the HVAC Auto Line 2 a reality over the last two years. This is a big step towards DENSO’s future!

  • business

Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Visits DMTN

August 8, 2019

Earlier this year, Dr. Jeff McCord was named Commissioner of the State of Tennessee Labor & Workforce Development Department. Hand-picked by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Dr. McCord oversees divisions and programs that provide a vast array of services that support jobs and workforce development.

Last week, Commissioner McCord visited DMTN Plants 203 and 204 to talk about workforce development, tour the facilities and talk with associates. The first member of Governor Lee’s staff to visit DMTN, Commissioner McCord said he was very impressed with the DENSO facilities and associates. During remarks to plant and Maryville Community leadership, he pledged to continue workforce development programs during his term.

Ongoing workforce development is critical to help DENSO meet its Long-term Policy 2030 – without talented associates, we cannot achieve our goals – and it supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The SDGs are a global, shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.

Thank you to those who made this high-profile visit possible: Mr. Nakamizo, Chuntao Ye, Jack Helmboldt, Britt Autry, Charlie Chujo, Mike Peevy, David Byrum, Kay Morrison, and the DMTN S&H/Communications/Community Relations/GA/HR/NAITS teams.

Click here to read McCord’s comments on his visit and view more photos. 

Commissioner McCord talking to DMTN associates on a tour of the plants. 

  • business
  • quality

DENSO Thermal Manufacturing Earns John Deere Supplier Recognition

  • business
  • associate spotlight

Meet Denise: DENSO’s First Executive Lead of Diversity & Inclusion

May 8, 2019

The first female CEO of a major global automaker was appointed just five years ago. In Silicon Valley, 95% of the tech workforce is white males. Fifty-four percent of employees believe their employers could do more to promote gender equality.

Diversity and inclusion are issues that permeate all industries, not just automotive. At DENSO, we are taking active steps to change that narrative.

That’s why today, we are thrilled to announce we have named Denise Carlson, vice president, North American Production Innovation Center and Safety, Health and Environment, as Executive Lead of North American Diversity and Inclusion (D&I). Carlson, who was one of the first female engineers hired at DENSO, has been a part of DENSO for nearly 25 years.

We spoke to Denise on her new role and how D&I will help us reach long-term goals and shape the future of mobility.

Why is diversity and inclusion important?

First and foremost, accepting and respecting people of all races, ages, genders, ethnicities, backgrounds and cultures is the right thing to do.

Second, embracing D&I is one of the best ways to spark innovation. When we bring together diverse groups of people, it opens our eyes to the fact that there is always more than one way to achieve the same goal. Diverse groups offer unique perspectives to difficult challenges, break the cycle of inside-the-box thinking and bring great new ideas and opportunities to the table, which is critical for a company wanting to innovate.

This is particularly important for DENSO. We’re undergoing tremendous change – from a shift in business strategy to a focus on software-based solutions. Constant innovation is crucial if we want to remain competitive and best serve our customers.

 What are you most excited about in your new role?

To start, I want to say that creating this position is a significant and symbolic moment at DENSO and I’m honored to be a part of it. Yes, we have D&I efforts already in place, but this shows the world we have a stake in the ground to truly progress in this area.

I am looking forward to working closely with our manufacturing facilities across North America to align on what D&I is, our goals and why it needs to be an integral part of daily functions. My hope to eventually create a work environment where diversity and inclusion is no longer a topic of discussion – because it’s engrained in the way we do business.

What does DENSO currently do for its D&I efforts?

In 2016, DENSO established the North American D&I Council to develop a three-year strategy to create and implement a culture of inclusion that promotes the diversity of all associates. We currently have D&I training for leaders at every level to strengthen understanding of D&I. At DENSO, our leaders are the champions behind this effort. They are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment.

Other action items include:

  • DENSO’s annual engagement survey features D&I indices so we can measure associates’ impressions of D&I at DENSO
  • The establishment of Business Resource Groups, which are voluntary, team-member-led groups who share their unique insights and experiences to further strengthen our company through our commitment to D&I and team member engagement. Groups help foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with our mission, values, goals, and objectives.
  • We partnered with inQUEST, a leader in the D&I space, to assist us on our journey. We’re not experts in this space – yet! – and inQUEST will help us harness diversity and create an inclusive culture that ignites innovation and drives results.

Finally, it’s important to point out that diversity and inclusion are two separate things. Diversity is the collection of our similarities and differences based on characteristics that we are born with, experiences we have had and choices we have made. Inclusion occurs when people are welcomed, valued, respected and heard.

There’s more to do to be sure, and I look forward to working with associates around the country to lead that charge.

To read the press release announcing Denise’s new role at DENSO, click here.

  • business

DENSO Announces Year-end Financial Results

April 26, 2019
Read More
  • business

DPAM AOES awarded Remanufactured Alternators business from BMW North America

April 19, 2019
  • business

North America Executive Leadership Changes

March 7, 2019

Today, we’d like to announce executive leadership changes and appointments across its North America organization to advance our long-term commitment to create new value for the future of mobility.

Effective April 1, 2019, these executive changes are an example of how DENSO is changing the way we operate to achieve our Long-term Policy 2030. Specifically, these changes are part of Management Reform.

Part of long-term policy 2030, Management Reform is DENSO’s approach to transform our management team and structure to work with tremendous speed and efficiency. This will help us remain competitive, allowing us to operate more efficiently and accelerate our decision-making process.

Watch the video to learn more about the changes:

North America Executive Leadership Changes

Executive Officers:

Shinichi Nakamizo will serve as executive officer of DENSO Corporation. In addition, he will serve as executive officer of North America Manufacturing and president of DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee (DMTN). He will transition from his current role as president of DENSO Manufacturing Mexico (DNMX).

Steve Milam will serve as executive officer of DENSO Corporation. In addition, he will serve as North America Corporate executive officer, executive officer of North America Powertrain Systems Business, and executive officer of Electrification Systems Business. He will transition from his current role as chief executive officer of DENSO’s North America Thermal Systems Center (TAC) Business Group.

Jack Helmboldt will resign as executive director of DENSO Corporation and retire as president of DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee. He will continue to serve as president emeritus of DMTN, and executive advisor to DENSO, providing guidance, knowledge and support to DENSO’s business operations and manufacturing leadership development. Helmboldt will also continue to serve as a representative for DENSO in its External Affairs, government and community efforts.

Business Leaders:

Andris Staltmanis will serve as North America Thermal Systems Center (TAC) Business lead. He will transition from his current role as president of DENSO Manufacturing Michigan (DMMI).

Marty Deschenes will serve as North America Gasoline Systems Business lead and North America Exhaust Aftertreatment Systems Business lead. In addition, he will serve as president of DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee (DMAT). He will transition from his current role as Electrification Systems Business lead and vice president of Electrification Systems at DMTN.

Shuji Kimoto will serve as head of Motors Manufacturing Division 2 for DENSO Corporation. He will transition from his current role as president of ASMO North Carolina.

Masanori Iyama will serve as North America Motors Business lead. In addition, he will serve as president of DENSO Manufacturing North Carolina, previously known as ASMO. Effective April 1, 2019, ASMO will be integrated into DENSO and assume its name as DENSO Manufacturing North Carolina (DMNC). Iyama will transition from his current role as head of Motor Planning Division for DENSO Corporation.

Jon Callies will serve as North America Electric Components Business and North America Electrification Components Business lead. He will transition from his current role as director of Electrification Manufacturing at DMTN.

Functional Leaders:

In addition to his executive officer appointment, Steve Milam will serve as head of North America Human Resources.

Yukio Asano will end his expatriate assignment and return to Japan. He will transition from his current role as executive vice president of Corporate Function.

Makoto Hasegawa will serve as head of North America Corporate Division Finance Group. He will transition from his current role as executive coordinator of Corporate Function.

Dave Grimmer will serve as head of North America Production Innovation Center (NAPIC) Division. He will transition from his current role as vice president of HVAC Operations at DMMI.

Satoshi “Scott” Inukai will serve as head of Mobility Systems Manufacturing for DENSO Corporation. He will transition from his current role as senior vice president of NAPIC Division.

Affiliate Leaders:

In addition to his executive officer appointment, Shinichi Nakamizo will serve as president of DMTN. He will transition from his current role as president of DNMX.

Mitsuru Kato will serve as president of DNMX. He will transition from his current role as director of Production Engineering Division for DENSO Corporation.

In addition to his role as business lead, Marty Deschenes will serve as president of DMAT. He will transition from his current role as Electrification Systems Business lead and vice president of Electrification Systems at DMTN.

Takeshi Nagasaka will end his expatriate assignment and return to Japan. He will transition from his current role as president of DMAT.

Kevin Carson will serve as president of DMMI. He will transition from his current role as vice president of Engine Cooling Module (ECM) Operations for DENSO’s TAC Business Group.

In addition to his role as business lead, Masanori Iyama will serve as president of DMNC. He will transition from his current role as head of Motor Planning Division for DENSO Corporation.

Global Personnel & Organizational Change:

DENSO Corp. also announced today changes to its executive structure and management team to operate more efficiently and accelerate its decision-making process, and to ensure the right people are in the appropriate positions during this critical time, effective April 1, 2019.

With the increasing deployment of vehicle electrification and automated driving technologies, DENSO also announced changes to its global organizational structure, effective April 1, 2019. Thus, its chassis control business section will be separated from the Electric Components Business Unit and become the Chassis Control Components Business Unit. This will allow for more dedicated focus and accelerated R&D and collaboration.

For more information about global personnel and organizational changes, click here.

  • business

Ambassador Sugiyama visits DENSO Tennessee

February 27, 2019

It was our honor and privilege to host Shinsuke J. Sugiyama, Ambassador of Japan to the United States, at DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee (DMTN) in February. During his visit, Ambassador Sugiyama toured parts of the facility and met with DENSO teams to learn more about the company and our global collaboration efforts.

Ambassador Sugiyama was impressed with the speed of development at DENSO and the global collaboration between Japan and the U.S.

“What I see today is the best example of collaboration between Japan and the United States that I have ever seen,” said. Ambassador Sugiyama. “Japan and the United States are doing some really fantastic things at DENSO.”

During the presentations and discussions throughout the day, Ambassador Sugiyama’s was focused on two key topics: hiring talent and associate life, such as housing and medical treatment options.

DENSO teams shared how we are being more creative in our recruiting efforts, and how we’re tackling the competition for talent from many different angles, including working more closely with colleges, technical schools and high schools to develop and recruit talent.

Ambassador Sugiyama also displayed a genuine interest in DENSO associates’ working and living conditions.  DMTN highlighted its onsite medical treatment facility for associates and family members, fitness center, and other on-site amenities.

“This was the first time any Japanese Ambassador to the United States visited our DENSO facility in Tennessee; we were proud to host him and showcase our associates and efforts,” said Jack Helmboldt, president of DMTN. “DENSO’s leadership was extremely impressed with Ambassador Sugiyama’s knowledge of the challenges manufacturing companies face and his strong interest in how DENSO is addressing those challenges.  It was truly an honor to meet and share our facility with him and his team.”

Hosting Ambassador Sugiyama is one of many efforts DENSO is taking to strengthen its diplomatic relationships. As a global company, DENSO is dedicated to establishing stable economic relations based on mutual trust. To do so, we believe it’s important to learn, discuss, collaborate and understand the common interests of other countries.

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.

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

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.

  • business

The Method to our Madness

February 22, 2019

DENSO’s Long-term and Mid-term Policies are Lean Management Tools

Did you ever wonder why we roll out Mid-term and Long-term policies every few years? Why do we call them policies? And what do they even mean to me? We assure you, there’s a method to our madness. And there’s even a name for the method we use. It’s called Hoshin Kanri.

Hoshin Kanri

Our Long-term Policy sets a long-term goal looking approximately ten years ahead. This approach, the word “policy” comes from “hoshin kanri”.

Hoshin Kanri is a method for ensuring that the strategic goals of a company drive progress and action at every level within a company. Also called Policy Deployment, Hoshin Kanri is an approach that strives to get every associate pulling in the same direction at the same time. It achieves this by aligning the goals of the company (Strategy) with the plans of middle management (Tactics) and the work performed by all associates (Operations). This approach is at the heart of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma.

HOSHIN = Direction or Sharp Needle. Kanri = Management. The two words together = Compass

The Method: Our Planning Process

  • Our Long-term Policy sets a long-term goal looking approximately ten years ahead.
  • The Mid-term Policy specifies mid-term strategies necessary to achieve our Long-term Policy.
  • The Mid-term plan is subsequently broken down in to the Annual Plan. These plans are finally incorporated in the annual activity target and daily efforts for each of us.

Shared Vision

It’s a proven fact we perform best when we have a purpose. Hoshin Kanri helps create a global purpose, and provides focus and drive toward specific goals. When we understand WHY things are important, it helps us do our jobs.

Right now, our leadership teams are working on annual planning for Fiscal Year 2019. These plans will help each business group, product group, team and individual associate, determine their targets and actions for the next year – the targets and actions that will help us get one step closer to our long-term vision goal.

Learn more about our vision for the future here.

  • business

DENSO’s Long-term Policy 2030

February 15, 2019

Our vision for the future

DENSO’s long-term policy 2030, which was launched last year, guides the company toward its 2030 goal: to create and inspire new value for the future of mobility.

Global President Arima expanded on this in his New Year message to associates in January. In his speech, he referred to DENSO’s long-term policy as DENSO’s second founding, the largest shift in business strategy in our 70-year history. It’s a drastic change in mindset and approach, to keep up with the rapid changes in the industry and in society.

“Our long-term vision is a future with enhanced mobility, safety and peace of mind, with less impact on the environment. We still have a deep commitment to protecting lives, but we are ready to realize our second founding,” said Arima. “This means we must change our own organization to prevail in the rapidly changing business landscape and provide value to our customers that goes beyond a vehicle-centric focus to enrich society’s broader needs.”

DENSO’s long-term policy provides an overview of what the company needs to do to transform and be a leader in this rapidly changing industry. It also provides associates with a guide on how we can be united in our approach and help achieve our long-term vision.

Learn more about our vision for the future here.

  • business
  • innovation

RAV4 Launch Celebration

  • business
  • associate spotlight

The Big Announcement: My Take on DENSO’s Second Founding

February 6, 2019

We’ve been hearing a lot of buzzwords, lately: paradigm shift, mobility, change. What does it all mean, and how does it apply to our jobs here at DENSO? Are they mere words, or are we really going to see their effect?

I had the honor of attending the New Year Ceremony event on January 9 to hear President Arima’s special message live. With all of the excitement of President Arima’s speech winding down, and we’ve all hopefully had time to digest it, I figured it was time to share my thoughts. (For those who have not heard Arima’s New Year message, check it out here! Or read DENSO’s long term plans here!)

It’s important that we get a discussion going about this, so please share your thoughts in the comments, below.

Here is my takeaway:

  1. It was awesome that our President came to visit us here in North America! Before this year, I wasn’t even aware that this type of event took place at DENSO. Rotating the New Year’s message to a different location every year is a much more inclusive, global approach. (This is a major proof point of DENSO starting to change!)
  2. The automotive industry is changing at an accelerating pace. (It’s not just changing, but the rate of change is picking up speed!) It’s a very good sign for DENSO’s future that our President recognizes this. We cannot assume that change will happen at the same ol’ pace, or we will get left behind. Companies like Blockbuster, Polaroid, and Borders were not able to adapt quickly – as a result, they failed to stay relevant. This is a potential reality that could happen to any company. (We cannot assume DENSO is immune to this.) I plan on discussing technological changes/progress in more detail in a future blog post, so stay tuned for that.
  3. One key take-away is that we must be ready to move faster. This is critical, because I’ve seen –firsthand– that our primary customer complaint is that we are too slow. (Usually while complementing our excellent quality, in the very next breath.) We, as a company – as one big 170,000+ person team – are now tasked with learning to move faster, while maintaining our quality. This is no easy task, but I know we’re up to it!
  4. The buzzwords I mentioned up top are not mere words. One example that President Arima gave was about a fully automated and electric vehicle (around 10 minutes and 20 seconds into the video of his speech). Is it developed by Amazon? Google? Some new high-tech start up? No; DENSO helped to make that dream come true! This proves that we’re not all talk. We are taking action! (That was my favorite part of President Arima’s talk!)
  5. Given that this is considered our “Second Founding”, I was expecting a very specific announcement. Like “We will be paring with Google and changing our company name to Den-Google!” (Not exactly that, of course!) I’m a bit relieved it was nothing that extreme, but I’ll admit: Part of me wanted some singular huge thing to stand out. I was left thinking: “OK, it’s great that we’re ready to move quickly as the industry changes…but what are the next steps?”
  6. As a GM resident engineer, I’m seeing and hearing first-hand GM strongly pushing the direction of autonomous vehicles, and electrification, as part of their Zero, Zero, Zero policy. This meshes well with DENSO’s future plans. It’s an encouraging sign to see that more big companies (like GM and us!) are aligning about the future. Internal Combustion Engines are not going to be completely gone for some time now…but the future truly is going to be autonomous and electric vehicles, which changes everything.
  7. I’m starting to see more and more indications that the “automotive industry” has become the “mobility industry”. This makes sense. It’s not just about personal vehicle ownership, anymore. Even in one of my links above, regarding DENSO’s long term plans: The word “automotive” is mentioned 3 times. The word “mobility” is used 5 times.
  8. It was a very lovely time meeting people from different regions at DENSO! Everyone seemed to have a great time, overall. Even an introvert like me had a good time, and I’m glad that I went. If you ever find yourself invited to a global event like this in future years, I recommend that you jump at the chance! You’ll find that you have a lot in common with people from other regions; we share a lot of the same challenges in our day to day life.

Agree or disagree with me? Or want to share your thoughts on the message? Please leave your comments, below!

 

Meet Dustin Mitchell, DENSO engineer and blogger. DENSO is committed to a culture where every associate’s diverse talents and strong passion enable us to contribute to a better world. What’s at your core? What are you passionate about? What drives and motivates you? We want to hear from you.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

Strengthening our core

January 31, 2019

DENSO Spirit has been our guiding principles, the foundation, behind our innovation, quality, determination, and customer focus over the past 70 years.

As DENSO has grown to more than 170,000 people, 220 facilities, operating in 35 countries and regions around the world, we have drifted from our spirit.

In his New Year message, President Arima challenged: “Because we are busy, are we missing our foundational spirit? Are we avoiding risks?”

To achieve our long-term policy goal, and lead a transformation in the automotive industry, Arima challenges associates to go back to our spirit – strengthen our understanding and practice of our guiding principles. He redefines the DENSO Spirit values to help bring them to life for associates:

Think Things Through

“‘Thinking things through’ means identifying the deeper meaning behind the issue, not just looking at the surface. I want you to think, think and think through with a future-oriented view,” Arima said. “The more you think, the more you see what you should do.”

Come Together

“When we gather our individual power, we can maximize our performance, make changes and keep on challenging.”

Get Things Done

“When you find what you should do, then get things done. The bigger dream you have, the bigger challenge you will face. You are the owner of your dream. It is your job.”

Watch videos on how our Mexico team is thinking things through, coming together and getting things done.

  • business

Crafting the future

January 28, 2019

DENSO’s long-term policy, which was launched last year, guides the company toward our 2030 goal: to create and inspire new value for the future of mobility.

As a company, DENSO announced a shift in business strategy, expanding into software-based solutions in addition to our hardware expertise. This pushes our focus beyond car parts, looking at services like car sharing, and software and technologies that advance mobility (connecting cars, people and things to improve freedom of movement).

Shifting our strategy is only the beginning. In his New Year message and in our long-term policy, President Arima stresses the importance of our people to craft the future.

“To overcome this paradigm shift, which is bringing about unprecedented change, and realize further growth, all of our associates must be keen on anticipating change and taking on new challenges under the strong conviction of delivering new value to the world,” Arima states in the long-term policy. “We view this period of change as the era of our second founding, and I believe that each of our associates must take action by carrying out their [commitments] in a highly energetic manner if we are to accomplish this second founding.”

  • business

DENSO’s Second Founding

January 23, 2019

Over the past 70 years, we have become one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world. We did this through our strong foundation of DENSO Spirit – building trust (Credibility), looking to the future to provide advanced technology and value to our customers (Foresight), and working together (Collaboration).

To understand where we are today, and what we need to do to navigate the changing future, in his New Year message, President Arima asked associates to reflect on DENSO’s history and foundation.

“DENSO Spirit was our engine to craft our future. Because we are busy, are we missing our foundational spirit? Are we avoiding risks,” Arima challenged.

As the automotive industry undergoes a radical transformation with autonomous driving, electrification, car sharing and more, President Arima asks associates to find their spirit once again.

We call it our second founding.

 

Stay tuned to learn more about President Arima’s message, his vision for our future, and expectations for associates.

  • business

DENSO is about to change

January 21, 2019

In Japan, every year, associates look forward to the president’s New Year message. Associates are eager to hear about the company direction and president’s expectations for associates moving forward.

This year, President Arima gave his New Year message in a different region – North America – and, presented to a global audience. Why?

DENSO is about to change.

In his introduction to President Arima, Ken Ito, president and CEO of DENSO International America, explained why Detroit and North America was a symbolic location for DENSO’s first global New Year Ceremony outside of Japan:

“More than 100 years ago Henry Ford launched the first assembly line down the street from this very building. That innovation helped spark a radical transformation of both manufacturing and society. It gave people freedom of mobility and changed the way people worked and lived.”

President Arima ‘s message echoed President Ito’s words:

“DENSO is about to change. Why are we changing? Because we are facing a great transformation in society.”

He talked about the radical transformation the automotive industry is undergoing. Today, autonomous driving is becoming a reality. Products are changing with electrification. Cars are no longer only for transportation; they’re connecting people to infrastructure and home life.

“Who will make these dreams come true,” Arima challenges. IT companies such as Amazon or Google? No, DENSO. We have a power to make things true in the real world.”

Stay tuned to learn more about President Arima’s message, his vision for our future, and expectations for associates.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

Global New Year Ceremony 2019 Highlights

January 15, 2019

On January 9, more than 400 associates from around the world gathered in the Detroit area for DENSO’s first Global New Year Ceremony event. Check out highlights from the event below, and shout-out to all the people who helped make it a success.

Stay tuned throughout the month to learn more about President Arima’s message, his vision for our future, and expectations for associates.

Highlights

For the first time in DENSO’s history, President Koji Arima delivers the New Year Message to associates from North America.

Associates pack more than 500 toiletry bags for The Children’s Center, with the help of DENSO Cobotta robot.

Old friends and new: Associates of all levels, and from various regions around the world, strike a pose at the photo booth to commemorate their experience.   

Celebrating Brand Champions: The New Year Ceremony Project Team present special gifts to representatives from AFCO and DWAM, and to President Koji Arima, a WWE fanatic

More photos and videos coming soon!

Thank You Volunteers!

Dan Alf

Linda Barnett

John Bartlett

Robyn Blair

Mike Bosley

Matt Buchanan

Stephen Doyle

Sarah Fox

Patrick Freeman

Adriana Garcia

Patricia Jones

Ashley Justman

David Lazar

Paul Martin

Jennifer McComb

Yolanda McGee

Anthony Palazzolo

Vassili Papadopoulos

Bronda Payton

Son Phan

Joe Roden

Tomi Saveski

Stephanie Simigian

Natalie Scott

Brian Stansell

Jennifer Tavares

Tony Valdes

Victor Vulcu

Great Job Project Team!

Yukio Asano

Dave Cooper

Nicole Ciotta

Nichole Grein

Keiko Haramura

Yuri Iwata

Bridgette LaRose

JoAnna McCulloch

Eiji Ogimoto

Melissa Smith

Mark Stasinski

Naoko Takagawa

Hirofumi Takeuchi

Robert Townsend

Masayuki Watanabe

 

  • business

DENSO 2019 Global New Year Ceremony: Arima’s Message for Associates

January 10, 2019

Every year, DENSO’s president shares a special New Year message to set the company direction, unite and inspire DENSO’s associates globally. This year was different.

For the first time in our company history, DENSO’s Global President Koji Arima gave his speech in a different region – North America. On January 9, more than 400 associates from DENSO locations around the world gathered in the metro Detroit area to hear his message in person. President Arima’s message was also live streamed to all of DENSO’s 170,000 associates across the globe.

In his speech, President Arima talked about DENSO’s second founding, the largest shift in business strategy in DENSO’s 70-year history, his vision for DENSO, and expectations for associates.

Missed the live stream?

Watch the full video of President Arima’s speech below. (approximate time: 30 minutes)

What did you think of President Arima’s message?

Share your comments below! What inspired you most, what questions do you have, what will you do differently in 2019.

  • business

DENSO Announces First-half Financial Results

October 31, 2018

DENSO announced its financial results for the first-half ending September 30, 2018 for fiscal year ending March 31, 2019:

Global Results

  • Consolidated revenue: US$23.1 billion, a 11.1 percent increase from previous year
  • Consolidated operating profit: US$1.3 billion, a 25.5 percent decrease from previous year

“DENSO’s revenue rose due to an increase in global vehicle production in spite of natural disasters. In addition, newly consolidated subsidiary, DENSO TEN, contributed to growth in revenue. Operating profit decreased due to transient profit in the last fiscal year, variance of periods in collecting expenses and increase in investment for future growth toward becoming a leading mobility supplier,” said Koji Arima, global president and CEO of DENSO Corporation.

North American Results

  • Revenue: US$5.3 billion, a 10.2 percent increase from previous year
  • Operating profit: US$136.5 million, a 25.5 percent decrease from previous year

In North America, sales expansion led to the increase in revenue. Operating profit decreased due to the increase in expenses for R&D and investments for expanding production capabilities.

Key Terms

  • Revenue: This is our income; it’s all the money DENSO receives from business activities, like selling products to our customers.
  • Operating Profit: The money DENSO makes after subtracting expenses from our revenue. Expenses are the costs to keep our business running, like office supplies, utilities, payroll and more.
  • Consolidated: This describes the total, combined revenue or operating profit made my DENSO Global Headquarters, and its majority-owned group companies and affiliates.

Click here to view DENSO’s financial forecast and financial results for other regions.

  • business

President Ito, SVP Foy discuss DENSO’s second founding

October 30, 2018

As you likely heard, we recently announced DENSO’s second founding. What does this mean? It’s our largest shift in business strategy in our 70-year history to face the rapid changes in the automotive industry, the competition, ensure future success and achieve our 2030 goals. To learn more about DENSO’s vision and commitment to becoming the leading global mobility supplier, click here for the full news release.

With the news now public, DENSO’s North America President, Ken Ito, and Senior Vice President of Engineering Bill Foy spoke with leading industry news publication Automotive News about DENSO’s transformation. Ito said it’s important for the company to innovate with new technology, but also to enhance our current offerings.

“Our question is how we can transform our commodity products by adding value,” Ito told Automotive News. “For example, the air conditioner. As it is today, it could become a commodity. But in the future, instead, it could be combined with safety functions to add value, or combined with the functions of autonomous driving. We are focused on finding new value.”

The article also shares more details about DENSO’s renewed R&D and technology focus, which includes cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Still, Foy said even as DENSO moves into new fields, it will not abandon the many product areas that have been – and still are – critical for automakers.

It is this unique expertise and capability in legacy technologies and new ones that position us well for the future and will allow us to achieve our Long-Term Policy 2030. Everyone has an important role to play in our strategy shift and as we continue to shape the future of transportation – from car sharing, to automated driving and connecting cars and cities.

Read the Automotive News story here.

  • business
  • innovation

Reissuance of Company Direction Announcement

  • business

IGNITE Graduate Program

  • business

Leadership Perspectives: Preparing for a Paradigm Shift

September 17, 2018

The automotive industry is facing a time of change. As we learn to integrate and develop connected, autonomous and electric vehicle technologies, we need to shift our approach to work and how we do business.

“Companies need to move very quickly, perhaps at ten times the previous speed, to meet the new market demands,” according to DENSO Vice President Britt Autry.

Located in Maryville, Tennessee, Autry oversees manufacturing of electronic parts, metric improvement for our suppliers, and efficient conveyance operations for parts and products in our network. This month, Autry sat down with Manufacturing Leadership Council to discuss how DENSO’s core foundation will help strengthen its competitiveness.

“DENSO established the tagline ‘Crafting the Core’ which means knowing your core strength and leveraging it for achievement. Manufacturers that have an established and sustainable core will have the best opportunity to succeed. Also, companies that strategically leverage external expertise can better align their organizations with the next opportunities.”

Autry also touched on his leadership philosophy, and what he believes our leaders need to help DENSO succeed:

“With advancements in information technology, one of the challenges for leaders is to keep the primary focus on workplace engagement. I use a “3L” concept that stands for Listening to others, Learning from the environment around you, and Leading the organization. Leaders have to develop good personal relationships as well as continuously scan industry developments,” said Autry. “Company leaders must articulate a clear vision based on emerging information, guide the organization achievement through inspiring the team, and strengthen competitiveness.”

Read the full interview here.

 

  • business

Leadership Perspectives: Advancing Your Career at DENSO

August 10, 2018

Jack Helmboldt wears many hats. He is the president of DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, overseeing our mobility systems and manufacturing businesses in North America, and sits on the board of DENSO International America and on the executive committee in Japan. But ask Jack about his most important role, and you might be surprised by his response. Recently, Jack traded his sports coat for steel-toed boots, so he could spend more time on the plant floor meeting and mentoring associates.

Why did you decide to spend more time in the plant than on a plane?

I was finding that my message about what we need to accomplish to be successful as a business, wasn’t making it to the floor. Or, by the time it did, it was jumbled. I’ve been talking to associates and asking them questions like, does your boss tell you what to do? Do they tell you why it’s important? Do they tell you how to accomplish it? Good leaders should give clear direction, but at the same time, we want our associates to take personal responsibility of what they want to do or try to do in their careers.

What’s the best way to advance your career?  

Understanding engagement and ownership. I tell my management team that they can ask for my help on anything and in any situation, and I will tell them exactly what I would do. No one should be afraid to ask questions. But, the best way to learn is by taking ownership and working out a problem by yourself. You and I can reach the same conclusion in two totally different ways.

How do you take ownership at such a large company like DENSO?  

Move away from what I call the “silo mentality.” We’re all in this together. If your line is working properly, but your colleague’s isn’t, that’s your problem too. We need to work across lines to ensure everything is running smoothly on a regular basis. Taking a step back to see the bigger picture opens the door to more opportunities.

What makes a good leader?

Be an innovator. This doesn’t mean you need to be creative. It means you act to make us better. You see and seek out opportunities for improvement. You learn from people, from other plants, or other countries and you add those skills to your toolbox, which is critical as the auto industry undergoes massive changes.

Be a motivator. People around you should see you as being honest, credible, confident and a good listener. Take the time to talk to people, develop trust, and share information that can help them be better.

Be a visionary. This isn’t a goal or objective; it’s envisioning an ideal situation for the business and the company. My vision is that everyone who works here is happy and wants their kids and grandkids to work here someday. It will take time, and I’m setting milestones to realize that vision.

Finally, be a good teacher. I’m proud to be the president of DMTN, but that’s not how I want to be remembered. I want people to remember me as a good mentor or coach who recognized and cultivated talent, gave them opportunities to succeed, and helped them establish good habits and modify bad ones.

Anything else to add?

Be appreciative of good work. If someone goes above and beyond, take the time to thank them. I have a stack of cards on my desk, and I’m constantly sending them out because I see our associates doing such great things.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

DENSO Ohio Celebrates 15+ Years of Growth and Success

  • business

DENSO Renews its Title Sponsorship of the NHRA Las Vegas Four-Wide Nationals for 3 Years

August 7, 2018
Read More
  • business

First Quarter Financial Results & Leadership Changes

  • business

DENSO Back for more in Tennessee

July 23, 2018

By now, you’ve probably heard a lot about our recent investments in DENSO Tennessee facilities – $1B in Maryville and $190M in Athens. But did you know we have been committed to the state for more than 30 years? The Volunteer State has been good to us for quite a while, and it will continue to play a key role in our pursuit to advance future mobility solutions for all.

In a recent feature in Automotive News, Jack Helmboldt, president of DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, talks about why expanding existing locations in the state rather than investing in greenfield sites allows DENSO to take advantage of proven assets – both people and infrastructure – at Maryville and Athens.

“This move prepares us for the sales growth as the industry shifts to electrification and the advanced safety mechanisms that are needed for the future,” Helmboldt said. “Why Tennessee? Our skill level is here. Probably 90 percent of all of that type of manufacturing already takes place in Tennessee.”

For the full article, click here.

  • business
  • innovation

A Look at DENSO’s Strategic Partnerships

July 19, 2018

At the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), we talked to Ridecell & ThinCI about our strategic partnerships & business opportunities. Our Senior Vice President of Engineering Bill Foy, and Tony Cannestra, director of Corporate Ventures, also weigh-in on why DENSO is partnering up.

You’ll hear more about our partnerships with these companies & others in months to come—stay tuned!

  • business
  • community

Inforum shares networking tips in Southfield

  • business

Leadership Perspectives: Engineering Leadership Workshop

  • business
  • innovation

Leadership Perspectives – DENSO Venture Capital Investments

July 9, 2018

DENSO’s Silicon Valley (Calif.) office opened in 2011 to focus on emerging areas of advanced software technologies and to pursue venture capital investments.

Bill Foy, senior vice president of Engineering at DENSO, and Tony Cannestra, director of Corporate Ventures, talk about why venture capital is an important, strategic move for DENSO.

Not only does investing in entrepreneurs and startups allow us to strengthen and grow our core automotive business, it allows us to branch out into new, emerging technology and non-automotive business areas. It also pushes DENSO to think differently.

Learn more from Bill and Tony in the video below:

  • business

Leadership Perspectives – Bob Townsend on EcoVision 2025

June 18, 2018

By 2050, our population will reach an estimated 9 billion. At that rate, the amount of CO2 and human waste is predicted to rise to 4 times the Earth’s natural ability to self-clean. Earth will become uninhabitable.

DENSO is committed to improving Earth’s health. EcoVision 2025 is our 10-year environmental policy and action plan to help resolve environmental and energy issues and conduct business in harmony with nature.

Bob Townsend, DENSO’s vice president of External Affairs, shares more about our vision to help preserve our planet.

Why did DENSO create EcoVision 2025?

Concern for our environment is not new. DENSO originated in rural Japan, and it was there we learned important lessons about our environmental impact. Early in the company, we accidentally released drainage into farmland, destroying crops. After that, we made a commitment that such an accident would never happen again.

We launched the first EcoVision policy in 1997, so this initiative has been in place for more than 20 years.

How does DENSO’s plan help create sustainable communities?

As a member of the automotive industry, we have two potentially negative impacts on society. Traffic accidents, and a lot of our efforts are focused on improving safety, and the environment. As a company, we want to reduce that impact on the planet.

To achieve this, our products, factories, associates and management all play a critical role in our 10-step action plan, which targets three primary areas: Energy, Clean and Green.

What are the main objectives for EcoVision 2050?

The 10-step action plan is designed to help us achieve three primary objectives:

  • Reduce CO2 emissions by half with technologies that resolve global warming, energy, and resource issues.
  • Promote continuous improvements with the aim of reducing the impact of environmentally hazardous substances, emissions, and waste by half.
  • Conduct corporate activities that align with nature through the promotion of biofuel research, agricultural support, and other environment-related new businesses.

How will we make our products cleaner?

Within product development, DENSO will contribute to reducing CO2 emissions from vehicles through the development of new technologies and products that improve fuel consumption and are compatible with a variety of fuels. As we develop new product lines, we’ll develop smaller and more efficient equipment to shrink our impact.

How can we make our plants greener?

We will promote reductions in waste and resource usage within logistics and at factories. One thing to keep in mind – if your plant is doing something successful, share it! We can learn from each other.

For example, our plant in Tennessee uses a small ice machine on-site to make ice at night. In the morning, the ice is used to cool equipment, reducing hazardous waste and overall energy use. And in Guelph, our factory recently replaced all its florescent lights with LED equivalents, generating 240 tons in CO2 savings.

How can associates make an impact?

We try to raise environmental awareness among our employees and their communities. We’ve been organizing events that promote improved employee awareness and engagement. Environmental education is critical to ensure that we’re all engaging in activities that preserve the environment and create sustainable societies.

At DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee, we established a community EcoPark. The 11.5 acres draws local students and families to relax and enjoy nature, and provides opportunities to learn about recycling, composting, pollution prevention and much more.

In addition, I would encourage all our associates to consider low-carbon transportation, educate themselves about how to be more consciousness about the choices that impact the Earth, and volunteer their time toward environmental protection activities.

Anything else to add?

I love talking about EcoVision. It’s part of who we are, it’s the right thing to do, it shows our associates and future workers how we’re contributing to the environment and society overall. Transportation and mobility is changing quickly, and so are people’s expectations of the companies they work for and partner with. DENSO plans to stay at the forefront of both.

  • business
  • quality

DENSO Honored by Ford as Top-Performing Global Supplier

May 30, 2018

DENSO, and our affiliate Michigan Automotive Compressor Inc. (MACI), were honored as top-performing global suppliers for Ford Motor Company at the 20th Annual World Excellence Awards. Only 30 companies were selected as finalists from thousands of Ford suppliers globally.

“I would like to extend my personal congratulations to DENSO and its associates, the entire MACI team and the Ford sales team for achieving this award. At DENSO, our core focus is producing and developing high-quality, innovative products and technologies that address the changes happening within the automotive industry while exceeding customers’ expectations,” said Thomas Esser, vice president, Global Ford Sales, DENSO.

DENSO was awarded Ford’s World Excellence Award for Quality. MACI was recognized for the third time, receiving the Gold World Excellence Award for excelling in the categories of Cost, Quality, and Delivery. MACI manufactures automotive air conditioning compressors with magnetic clutch for Ford and other customers like Honda, GM, Chrysler and Toyota. As the main component of the air conditioning system, MACI’s compressors play an integral role in keeping drivers and passengers comfortable in warm weather.

“Every associate in MACI works toward one goal – to satisfy our customers,” said Joe Shaughnessy, General Manager, Business Planning, Human Resources, Information Systems, Production Control at MACI. “This is our top priority. It is so gratifying to receive such an elite award that recognizes our team’s collective efforts.”

About Michigan Automotive Compressor Inc.
Established in 1989, Michigan Automotive Compressor Inc. (MACI) is a joint-venture between Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) and DENSO Corporation. It is the largest manufacturing employer in Jackson County, with over 1 million square feet, and more than 1,050 associates. MACI sells approximately 6 million compressors of all types each year, for many of the world’s most popular vehicles. GM and FCA-Chrysler are the largest customers by volume. Ford, Toyota, Honda, Freightliner and John Deere also are customers.

  • business

Leadership Perspectives – Kara Grasso (VP Sales, Southfield, MI)

May 22, 2018

This month, more than 200 leaders from across the globe headed to DENSO’s global headquarters in Japan for the annual Global Leadership Conference. Leaders showcased new activities in their regions, discussed challenges, and talked opportunities as we all work toward our global long-term 2030 vision, and 2025 goals.

Click on the video below to hear Kara Grasso, vice president of Sales in Southfield, Mich., share an overview of the topics and themes from this year’s global conference, including what North America presented.

For North America, Bill Foy, senior vice president of Engineering, presented on the importance of our role globally for DENSO, and our plans to strengthen regional management. The automotive industry is shifting to focus more on electrification, connected and autonomous technologies. This shift is being led mainly in the North America region, which is why DENSO in North America is in a position to play a bigger role in these areas for DENSO globally.

  • business

DENSO Expands its Line of Camshaft and Crankshaft Sensors

May 11, 2018
  • business

Highlights from the NHRA Atlanta Race

May 10, 2018
  • business

MovinCool Honors Industry Pioneer Ken Swanson

MovinCool Honors Industry Pioneer Ken Swanson_5.4.18 draft

 

 

  • business

DENSO Year-end Financial Results

  • business
  • innovation

DENSO Senior Processing Engineer helps to create a ‘Brazed New World’

  • business
  • associate spotlight

Business Case Development Contest Winners

  • business
  • associate spotlight

The CORE – February 16, 2018

February 16, 2018
Read More
  • business
  • associate spotlight
  • community
  • hr announcements

The CORE – January 29, 2018

January 29, 2018
Read More
  • business
  • innovation

How will DENSO Adapt to the Changing Automotive Industry?

January 17, 2018

For the 14th consecutive year, DENSO was at the North American International Auto Show in January, and this year, our technology, company leaders and recruiting events all focused on the same thing: how we adapt to the changing automotive industry.

DENSO’s Bill Foy, senior vice president of Engineering, spoke with Automotive News about the future of DENSO and transportation:

“We are retooling our whole strategic vision as a company,” Foy said. “Hardware remains very important for a vehicle, but we’re also moving to services [that enhance mobility], which is a whole different mindset for us as a company. Second, we used to be a company that did everything internally. Now, we are looking for partners beyond what we can do today. So, we can begin to create value for the future. And we used to be very Japan-centric. Now we are very global.

Beyond DENSO’s products, Foy said, the company is working on changing the mindset of employees. “How do we get the passion out of people, the maximum value and having them working on things that excite them?”

  • business
  • innovation
  • associate spotlight

The CORE – January 15, 2018

January 15, 2018
Read More
  • business
  • innovation
  • quality
  • associate spotlight

The CORE – December 19, 2017

  • business
  • innovation

DENSO acquires startup to advance keyless driving

December 14, 2017
20171212
  • business
  • associate spotlight
  • community

The CORE – December 12

December 12, 2017
Read More
  • business

Crafting the Core

December 3, 2017
Read More
  • business

Telling our Story & Vision for the Future

December 2, 2017
Read More
  • business

What Drives You Every Day?

December 1, 2017

With the introduction of DENSO’s Crafting the Core brand, you’re going to be hearing a lot about what’s at the core of DENSO. And you can rest assured that there’s a lot there. Our associates are the core of everything we do. Our unwavering commitment to quality and safety is at the core of products. Our company strives to be a core part of our communities. And there’s much more. Since you are what’s at our core, we want to know what’s at your core. What drives you to wake up every day, head to work and ensure nothing but the very best products go out our doors bearing the DENSO name?

 

Scroll down and submit your story using the red “contact us” button on the bottom left hand side of the page.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Creating Connections

Sarah Frink

Communications, Corporate Services & Compensation (Battle Creek, Mich.)

Creating Connections: Throughout my career at DENSO in Communications and HR, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to create connections, whether that’s connecting an associate recognition story to the DENSO Spirit, or helping associates feel connected to the company’s mission, or using data to connect the dots and address HR problems. Telling great stories and creating connections can be a powerful way to inspire people to action!

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Relentless & Excellence

Dave Grimmer

Vice President of DENSO Thermal North America Center HVAC & PIC (Battle Creek, Mich.)

Relentless: Nothing of any significant value comes ‘easy’, therefore our objective must be continuously ‘sought’ with desire and courage. Pursuit: Continuous, intentional action!

Excellence: A high quality of life necessitates that we individually and collectively commit to add unique, extraordinary value through our God given gifts and abilities.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Stay Humble, Hustle Hard

November 25, 2017

Lisa Michler

Marketing Supervisor (Long Beach, Calif.)

Stay Humble, Hustle Hard: Stay humble is an inspiration of how to be – grateful for the job I have and position I hold here at DENSO. Hustle hard serves as a reminder of who I am – a hard worker.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Authentic

Richard Shiozaki

Senior Vice President (Long, Beach, Calif.)

Authentic: As a leader and face to our customers, I believe it’s important to be genuine and represent my true nature or beliefs. I feel it’s important to be reliable and trustworthy. This transfers to our DENSO quality standards to provide value through reliability and trust in our brand.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Leadership = Vision + Passion

Andris Staltmanis

President (Battle Creek, Mich.)

Leadership = Vision + Passion: Success depends on people! One of my personal missions is to develop good leaders. With this equation, I wanted to illustrate a few of the components which need to be in your core.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Passion

Joe Mejaly

Senior Vice President (Long Beach, Calif.)

Passion: Our associates must address each DENSO strategy with a passion to exceed expectations. Be inspired to live each day with a passion to make a difference in your family, personal life, and professional career.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Community

November 20, 2017

 

Rachel Walker

Communications (Maryville, TN)

 

Community: As our company grows, community involvement becomes even more important. If every DENSO location is active in the community, then the entire world will know that DENSO is working every day to protect lives, preserve the planet and prepare a bright future for our generations to come.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Passion

Bill Foy

Senior Vice President, Engineering (Southfield, Mich.)

Passion: Passion is important. I encourage my team to dedicate 10  percent of their time on something they’re passionate about because it drives their energy, commitment and focus. Who knows where it could lead.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Building Trust, Growth Mindset

Don Tracy

Vice President (Maryville, TN)

 

Building Trust, Growth Mindset: Building trust is a growth mindset. Through the challenge and the struggle, we gain insight and knowledge that can propel us to new, higher levels of understanding and achievement.

 

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Problem Solver

Victor Vulcu

Engineer (Southfield, Mich.)

 

Problem Solver: As an automotive engineer, we solve a spectrum of problems, from energy efficiency and constantly improving passenger safety while reducing injuries and deaths caused by automobile accidents, to minor ones like troubleshooting a malfunctioning circuit.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Courage to Change

Britt Autry

Vice President (Maryville, TN)  

 

Courage to Change: As I have rotated from one division to another, I can feel the positive impact of my personal and professional changes through working in different business environments in a relatively short term. Similarly, DENSO is faced with paradigm shifts in the future automobile society, so as an organization, we need the “Courage to Change” our way of doing things to thrive in this new and challenging environment.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Overcome Challenge

Saadia Ahmed

Finance & Accounting (Southfield, Mich.)

 

Overcome Challenge: We are all faced with different challenges in our work and personal lives, and learning how to navigate through those challenges successfully usually makes us stronger and better people.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Professional & Breakthrough

November 14, 2017

Norihito “Jack” Tanahashi

Senior Vice President (Long Beach, Calif.)

 

Professional Breakthrough: Being a professional means meeting and exceeding expectations to best serve customers, companies and society. Professionals succeed when they take responsibility and act to make progress. Motivated by an unwavering commitment to our customers, companies and society, this initiative produces breakthroughs that benefit everyone.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Exporting Talent

Jack Helmboldt

President (Maryville, TN)

 

Exporting Talent: To me, the key to ‘Crafting the Core’ is to strengthen our management through organizational transformation, to develop future leaders. I want to develop leaders to support DENSO globally, not just at our Tennessee facility, as DENSO continues to grow.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Making a Difference

Yolanda McGee

Human Resources (Southfield, Mich.)

 

Making a Difference: This is my main purpose in life, personally and professionally. Being an inspiration to people does not require a whole of effort or expertise; patience and understanding goes a long way.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Blessed

Denise Channey

Administrative Professional (Battle Creek, Mich.)

Blessed: I feel that everything I am and have is because God blessed me with my job and has allowed me to be a vessel to help others every day.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Ownership & Dream

November 11, 2017

Haruhiko “Hal” Kato

President (Long Beach, Calif.)

 

Ownership & Dream: Making a dream come true requires great passion. However, passion alone is not enough. If you are not fully committed to making it happen, you are literally just dreaming. In other words, a dream without the commitment to follow through will not drive you to take action. Making the commitment and taking ownership are what transform dreams into reality.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Be Ready

Paul Jakubiak

Security & Emergency Response (Battle Creek, Mich.)

Be Ready: My passion is in encouraging others to be prepared for  emergencies. Emergency preparedness, in my opinion, is key to long term wellness, whether as a business or as an individual.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Accountability

Leonard Manfre

Engineer (Southfield, Mich.)

 

Accountability: Regardless of who I’m working with, or what project I’m working on, I want people to know they can count on me to deliver. Working relationships are so important at a company like DENSO, and I think accountability is key in achieving that.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Collective Love

Guolin Li

Engineer (Southfield, Mich.)

 

Collective Love: It’s our job, collectively, to infuse love into our products, to be thoughtful in the design, evaluation and production. We must ensure the safety of our end-users, our loved ones.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Meaning Drives Purpose, Value Drives Creation

Dylan Green

Purchasing (Battle Creek, Mich.)

Meaning Drives Purpose. Value Drives Creation: It’s very important to me to understand “The Why”— why my job or any specific task is important to the success of the company. Once I understand my value, it really drives me to be successful for DENSO.

 

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Our Future

Melissa Smith

Community Affairs (Southfield, Mich.)

 

Our Future: My role within DENSO is to create opportunities to support talent development, student engagement, community outreach, and road safety awareness. In this role, I’m actively working on projects for the future of DENSO, our communities and my own family.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? Vision & Integrity

November 3, 2017

David H. Williams

Director of OES Sales Planning & Marketing (Long Beach, Calif.)

Vision & Integrity: A leader is ultimately the keeper of the dream, an ideal for others to rally behind. A leader’s integrity is measured by how closely they follow their own vision while adhering to the values of the organization.

  • business
  • associate spotlight

What’s Your Core? People and their stories

Ashley Fromm
Corporate Communications (Southfield, Mich.)

People and their stories: People and their stories are what inspire and motivate me everyday at DENSO. I want to help influence change and make improvements at DENSO by sharing associate stories and best practices we can all learn from.

  • business

DENSO Announces First-half Financial Results

October 31, 2017

DENSO announced its global financial results for the first half of the fiscal year that ends March 31, 2018:

  • Consolidated revenue totaled 2,363.5 billion yen (US$21.0 billion), a 8.6 percent increase from the previous year.
  • Consolidated operating profit totaled 204.4 billion yen (US$1.8 billion), a 43.3 percent increase from the previous year.
  • Consolidated profit attributable to owners of the parent company totaled 154.2 billion yen (US$1.4 billion), a 58.2 percent increase from the previous year.
  • Annual dividend payment will be 130 yen per one stock, a 5 yen increase from the previous forecast on each of interim and fiscal year-end

 

“DENSO’s revenue increased due to an increase in vehicle production, as well as sales expansion. DENSO’s operating profit also saw an increase due to the production volume increase and company cost reduction efforts,” said Koji Arima, president and CEO of DENSO Corporation.

 

In Japan, a rise in vehicle production resulted in an increase in revenue to 1,406.9 billion yen (US$12.5 billion), an 8.9 percent growth from the previous year. As a result of the increase in production volume and cost reduction efforts, the operating profit totaled 105.5 billion yen (US$935.8 million), a 100.7 percent increase from the previous year.

 

In North America, a sales expansion led to an increase in revenue to 548.1 billion yen (US$4.9 billion), a 6.1 percent increase from the previous year. On the other hand, the operating profit totaled 20.8 billion yen (US$184.5 million), which resulted in a 29.5 percent decrease from the previous year due, which is attributed to depreciation increases.

 

In Europe, the slight rise in vehicle production by the moderate recovery of the market led to an increase in revenue to 309.9 billion yen (US$2.7 billion), a 10.6 percent increase from the previous year. Due to depreciation increases, operating profit decreased to 8.9 billion yen (US$78.7 million), a 5.1 percent decrease from the previous year.

 

In Asia, an increase in both vehicle production and sales expansion resulted in an increase in revenue to 619.2 billion yen (US$5.5 billion), a 14.8 percent rise from the previous year. As a result of the increase in production volume, an operating profit totaled 62.8 billion yen (US$557.5 million), a 36.3 percent growth from the previous year.

 

In other areas, mainly the South American region, including Brazil and Argentina, revenue totaled 40.4 billion yen (US$358.7 million), a 32.7 percent increase from the previous year. The operating profit totaled 7.1 billion yen (US$62.8 million).

 

“After considering our first-half financial results, and the latest movement in the foreign exchange markets, we have revised up our full-year financial result forecasts. We also revised up dividend payment for both of interim and fiscal year-end,” said Koji Arima.

(Foreign exchange rates used for the full-year are US$= 111 yen, Euro= 126 yen)

 

Forecast for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2018

  Full-Year Forecast

(Original)

Full-Year Forecast

(Revised)

Revenue 4,740 billion yen

[US$42.0 billion]

5,000 billion yen

[US$44.4 billion]

Operating profit 353 billion yen

[US$3.1 billion]

390 billion yen

[US$3.5 billion]

Profit before income taxes 388 billion yen

[US$3.4 billion]

430 billion yen

[US$3.8 billion]

Profit attributable to owners of the parent company 280 billion yen

[US$2.5 billion]

300 billion yen

[US$2.7 billion]

 

 

  • business
  • community

Why Dublin? DENSO International America

August 24, 2017
  • business

DENSO Announces First -quarter Financial Results

July 28, 2017

DENSO Corporation announced its global financial results for the first quarter ending June 30, 2017 for fiscal year ending March 31, 2018:

  • Consolidated revenue totaled 1,164.9 billion yen (US$10.4 billion), a 6.6 percent increase from the previous year.
  • Consolidated operating profit totaled 93.2 billion yen (US$831.8 million), a 38.6 percent increase from the previous year.
  • Consolidated profit attributable to owners of the parent company totaled 76.7 billion yen (US$684.8 million), a 66.3 percent increase from the previous year.

 

“DENSO’s revenue increased by the increase of car production and sales expansion as well as operating profit due to the production volume increase and cost reduction efforts.” said Yasushi Matsui, executive director of DENSO Corporation.

 

In Japan, the increase of car production led to an increase in revenue to 675.7 billion yen (US$6.0 billion), a 9.6 percent increase from the previous year. As a result of the increase in production volume and cost reduction efforts, the operating profit totaled 37.4 billion yen (US$333.5 million), a 163.8 percent increase from the previous year.

 

In North America, despite of an unpredictable economy, the increase of car production led to an increase in revenue to 281.0 billion yen (US$2.5 billion), a 5.6 percent increase from the previous year. As a result, the operating profit totaled 17.0 billion yen (US$151.5 million), a 2.3 percent increase from the previous year.

 

In Europe, the increase of car production by the moderate recovery of the market led to an increase in revenue to 159.6 billion yen (US$1.4 billion), a 3.3 percent increase from the previous year. On the other hand, due to depreciation increase, operating profit decreased to 5.8 billion yen (US$52.1 million), a 14.7 percent decrease from the previous year.

 

In Asia, increase of car production and sales expansion, a revenue increase to 299.6 billion yen (US$2.7 billion), a 7.7 percent increase from the previous year. As a result of the increase in production volume, an operating profit totaled 28.5 billion yen (US$254.5 million), a 16.5 percent increase from the previous year.

 

In other areas, mainly the South American region, including Brazil and Argentina, revenue totaled 19.1 billion yen (US$170.8 million), a 21.9 percent increase from the previous year. The operating profit totaled 3.3 billion yen (US$29.9 million).

 

“Considering the latest movement in the foreign exchange markets and increase of car production, we have revised up our financial result forecasts for the first-half and full-year,” said Matsui.

(Foreign exchange rates used for the first-half financial result forecast are US$= 111yen Euro=121 yen, and for the full-year are US$= 110 yen, Euro= 121 yen)

 

Forecast for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2018

  First-Half Forecast (Revised) Full-Year Forecast (Revised) Changes from Previous FY
Revenue 2,330.0 billion yen

[US$20.8 billion]

4,740.0 billion yen

[US$42.3 billion]

+212.9 billion yen

(+4.7 percent)

Operating profit 161.0 billion yen

[US$1.4 billion]

353.0 billion yen

[US$3.2 billion]

+22.4 billion yen

(+6.8 percent)

Profit before income taxes 179.0 billion yen

[US$1.6 billion]

388.0 billion yen

[US$3.5 billion]

+27.1 billion yen

(+7.5 percent)

Profit attributable to owners of the parent company 123.0 billion yen

[US$1.1 billion]

280.0 billion yen

[US$2.5 billion]

+22.4 billion yen

(+8.7 percent)

 

  • business

Executive Message

July 13, 2017

Published by DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC. for associates and friends of DENSO companies, joint ventures and affiliates in North America.

Follow Us

©DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC. 2025 All rights reserved. Ownership and Use

✖