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Commissioner McCord Impressed by DMTN
On July 31, Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Jeff McCord visited Plants 203 and 204. Joined by various community leaders, Dr. McCord is the first member of Governor Lee’s newly appointed staff to visit DMTN.
“This is a great community, and DENSO is a company with high purpose,” said Dr. McCord as he addressed the group of community members and DENSO leaders. “You’ve been here for 30 years – the quality and safety that you demand along with the excellence that you have to have in order to compete permeates your community; and I thank DENSO for that.”
Commissioner cCord pledged to continue workforce development programs during his term. The group ended their visit with a tour of production lines in 203 and 204.
Dr. Jeff McCord, Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, addresses community leaders and DENSO representatives during a visit on July 31.
DMTN was proud to host Dr. Jeff McCord, Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Commissioner McCord was joined by various government officials and community leaders for a tour of our newest manufacturing facility.
DENSO Daughter Wins County-Wide Competition
When MacKenna Eddy used her passion for art to stand up for something she believes in, the reward was larger than life.
MacKenna, daughter of Condenser Engineering Technician Thomas Eddy, is the winner of the 2019 Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task Force Youth Billboard Design Competition. The contest is held annually during high school prom season to bring awareness to the problems of underage drinking.
As the winner out of over 50 submissions, MacKenna had the opportunity to share her voice in a big way. Her poster design was made into a full sized billboard displayed around Kalamazoo County. She also received movie tickets, and had the opportunity to record a local public service announcement.
Tom said MacKenna waited to tell him and his wife about the contest until she found out she won, so they were both surprised and thrilled when they heard the news.
“It was an exciting day when we found out she won!” Tom said. “It was one of those proud parent moments, seeing her taking a stand against something like underage drinking.”
This fall, MacKenna will be a senior at Climax High School. In her spare time, Tom says she can be found painting, fulfilling her passion for art. She also loves being outdoors, and their summers are full of trips to the lake to go fishing.
Congratulations MacKenna!
Q&A with Engineer Ben Sweet on Robots, STEM and Next Gen
This year, Benjamin Sweet, senior embedded software engineer at DENSO, served as a judge at Lawrence Technological University’s (LTU) 20th Robofest World Championship, a competition that provides fun STEM activities for students interested in autonomous robotics. We spoke to Benjamin to learn more about his experience and the incredible ideas kids had for our future with robots.
How and why did you get involved in Robofest?
I’ve been an adjunct instructor at LTU since 1994 and have known Dr. CJ Chung, the founder of Robofest, for more than 20 years. DENSO has been supporting Robofest and LTU for some time so when Dr. Chung asked if I’d like to be a judge, I accepted because I thought it would be a great opportunity to help both organizations that I’m a part of in a unique way.
What was your favorite part about being a judge?
This was my first time being a judge for the exhibition portion of the event, where students had to come up with an idea for how robots might be used to solve world issues. It was really interesting to see what the students thought of. I also thought it was great having so many teams come from all over the world, and I loved witnessing the effort and hard work that the kids put into their projects!
Were there any ideas that stuck out to you?
One group of students came up with an idea to sort recyclables using robotics and sensors. While it wasn’t very complex, it was made out of 3D printed parts and it worked! Another team tried to create a smart backpack or jacket for bikers that used sensor modules and lights, which acted as turn signals. It was impressive to see that at such young ages, students had these ideas and could put together the hardware and software to make them happen.
Why is working with kids so important for DENSO and for the future of engineering?
It’s important to inspire the next generation because they can take technology we have now and elevate it to the next level. Getting kids involved in STEM can also help prepare them for the competitive nature of the global economy, especially in today’s tech-centered society. Events like Robofest can get kids excited about subjects such as math and science by showing them that they can make an idea tangible through technology and programming.
While Benjamin generously devoted his time to this year’s event, DENSO was also a platinum sponsor of Robofest and worked closely with LTU to include MacArthur K – 8 University Academy, a school located in DENSO HQ’s hometown of Southfield, MI, in the contest. Earlier this month, the school’s 4th-8th grade students visited our Southfield, MI location to show off the robotics they used in the competition and to learn more about sensor technologies from DENSO engineers.
Learn more about DENSO’s involvement in Robofest here.
Students visit DENSO’s North American Headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, to show off their bots.
Students compete at 20th Robofest World Championship at Lawrence Tech University in May.
Students dig into robotics at a Robofest summer camp in Southeast Michigan.
DMNC Associates Meet Akinori Ogata
This is the fourth year DENSO Manufacturing North Carolina (DMNC) has sponsored NASCAR Whelen driver Akinori Ogata.
DMNC’s Statesville location is in the heart of US auto racing country making the partnership a win-win.
Ogata visited DMNC’s Statesville location on May 17 to meet with associates before his May 18 race. The DENSO team was also present at the May 18 race giving out swag and hero cards.
Learn more about Ogata’s story, love for racing, and DENSO’s sponsorship here.
Driving Down a Dream
As a child in Sagamihara, a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, Akinori Ogata grew up next to a motorcycle shop, and watching them repair motorcycles sparked his passion for motorsports.
“I watched them repair motorcycles, but at that time I was more interested in racing cars,” shares Ogata. “However, once the shop people gave me a motocross bike to try my hand at racing, I found that I really enjoyed motocross racing too. I made it a goal to become a professional motocross racer.”
Ogata was 14 when his race career began in Japan and after a decade of 2-wheel racing, he switched to 4-wheel driving at the age of 24 in the pursuit of his dream of driving for NASCAR in the United States. He achieved this by debuting for NASCAR in 2003, and is one of only three Japanese drivers currently driving in a NASCAR series. His new dream now is to make it to the NASCAR Cup Series (which is equivalent to the “Super Bowl of NASCAR”).
That’s when he came to the attention of DENSO Manufacturing North Carolina (DMNC), and not long after, they became one of Ogata’s sponsors.
“Sponsorship at the local track allows more accessibility to our local community and an opportunity to get DENSO’s name out,” said John Brown, Vice President, HR, Admin, CC, Special Projects and SHE. “Whether associates are racing fans or not, seeing their own company logo on the side of a race car creates a sense of pride.”
This is DMNC’s fourth year sponsoring Ogata. For the first three years, his vehicle featured the ASMO logo. With ASMO’s integration with DENSO in 2019, Car 14 now features the DENSO logo for three races this race series.
DMNC’s Statesville location is in the heart of US auto racing country.
Per Brown, “the community is surprised to know that they have a company in their community that provides motors for all automotive makers and that their car possibly has a motor made right here in Statesville. They didn’t realize that automotive manufacturing had a presence locally.”
Ogata is grateful for DENSO’s sponsorship of his car and support of his dream to win a NASCAR series race.
“DENSO is very involved in racing in Japan, so I am proud to carry the name on my car in the United States and help bring brand name recognition.”
The DENSO-sponsored race car finished fourth in the April 27 race held at Hickory Motor Speedway. A crash during the May 18 race dashed his hopes of an even higher finish. Ogata is not letting this set him back and will keeping chasing his dream again on June 22.
Ogata with his first motorcross bike
Ogata and DENSO Car 14
Ogata meetgs President Arima at DENSO’s global headquarters in Japan earlier in 2019
Check out photos of Ogata meeting the DMNC Statesville team here!
2019 DMMI Scholarship Recipients
In 1997, the DMMI Scholarship Fund was started to assist children of DMMI associates with the rising costs of higher education. Winners are chosen by a BCCF (Battle Creek Community Foundation) panel based on activities and work experience. This year, $1,500 scholarships were awarded to three children of DENSO associates who are going on to earn advanced degrees. The 2019 recipients are Co Nguyen, Olivia Scheel and Flora Sung.
Co Nguyen
Daughter of Cuong Nguyen, Production 2 Advanced Associate
In the fall, Co will be attending Grand Valley State University majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Biomedicine. After graduating she aspires to create machines for medical patients with missing limbs, which will help them perform and function more efficiently. Co participated in a variety of extracurricular activities in high school, such as Marching Band, Tennis, National Honors Society and Spanish Club.
Olivia Scheel
Daughter of Paul Scheel, Production Control Director
Olivia enjoys helping others and is pursuing her passion for Speech Pathology at Western Michigan University. In the future, she wants to work with children, whether it’s at a local elementary school or a hospital overseas. Outside of school she enjoys being active by running, playing soccer and kayaking. Oliva has always admired her father’s work ethic and good attitude, and appreciates her mother’s dedication in homeschooling her and her siblings.
Flora Sung
Daughter of Maria Tawl, Production 1 Associate III
Flora will be a junior in the fall, transferring from Kellogg’s Community College to Western Michigan University. She is pursuing a Biology degree, and plans to go to Medical school afterwards to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor. Flora loves having fun with the people she is close with, from playing sports with her friends to cooking traditional food with her family. Her mom is one of her biggest role models because of her kindness she extends to others.
Congratulations to our 2019 DENSO scholarship winners, we wish you the best of luck in pursuing your higher education!
April is… say what?
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Car crashes are the number-one cause of death among teens in the United States. Even scarier – more than 90 percent of all crashes are caused by human error, such as texting, speeding or impaired driving. To end preventable injuries and death, DENSO has donated $125,000 in 2019 to extend and expand its partnership with national teen defensive driving program B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe).
Founded by NHRA drag racing star Doug Herbert, the B.R.A.K.E.S. charity offers young drivers across the country, and their parents, free, extensive behind-the-wheel training to reduce auto crashes.
DENSO and B.R.A.K.E.S. are committed to educating drivers of all ages on the dangers of distracted driving. We hit the track at the DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals race in Las Vegas, April 5-7, to talk to NHRA drivers about the importance of safe driving.
Stay tuned over the next month to hear what NHRA drivers had to say about distracted driving.
DENSO Gives Back Through Work-Time Volunteer Program
DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc. associates have donated 2,726 pounds of food and 118 hours to the Food Bank of South Central Michigan over the past twelve months. Recently, 18 associates spent the afternoon assembling weekend school packs for kids as a part of DENSO’s work-time volunteer program.
In this program, each associate can volunteer eight hours of paid time each year through company-sponsored events. From sorting donations and stuffing envelopes to assembling food bags, DENSO associates are empowered to give back to the community.
Thank you to our work-time volunteers!
DENSO Inspires Aspiring Engineers at Society of Women Engineers Challenge
Over 100 middle school girls participated in the Society of Women Engineers Corporate Engineering Challenge at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo on Saturday, February 16, and DENSO was there to support them.
DENSO was an event sponsor and several engineers and members of the DENSO Women’s Network were on hand to help. Volunteers shared the fun of math and science career options at DENSO by showing off Travbot, a cobot our engineers programmed to play Tic Tac Toe.
In addition to corporate sponsor activity like Travbot, participants also took on an engineering challenge in the afternoon. Teams competed in the “Moon Landing and Exploration” engineering challenge. Team DENSO mentors Sara Rodriguez and Sidd Arora, both Total Industrial Engineering engineers, guided their team to create a device that simulated landing on the moon followed by exploring the moon’s surface.
“It was fun to watch the girls get excited about the technology,” said Rachel Thole, Advanced Condenser Process Engineer, who coordinated the event. “I enjoyed networking with other companies and being out in the community.”
Our People, Our Core: Bonita Montgomery (Athens, TN)
Our core is our people. They bring special strengths and skills to the work bench every day. They drive our success.
Click on the video below to watch a video of Bonita Montgomery from DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee talk about her experience as a Quality Engineering supervisor and opportunities in manufacturing.
This month, we’re sharing stories , like Bonita’s, with students across North America to inspire a new generation of manufacturing and engineering experts. By sharing these stories, and working with our industry partners, we want to address the skilled labor shortage our industry faces, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.
What you can do
Help us celebrate our people and inspire students. Here’s how you can help:
- Check out DENSO Mobile App or DENSO Facebook weekly for videos featuring our associates
- Click on “share” to post these stories on your Facebook/social media sites, or email to a friend who might be interested in a career with DENSO
- Refer your family and friends to https://densocareers.com/ to view career opportunities
Celebrating Our People, Our Core
Monozukuri, “the art of making things” is a strength DENSO has nurtured since its founding. It has led to many of our unique manufacturing processes and world-first products—accomplishments that wouldn’t be possible without our people. Our people bring special strengths and skills to the work bench every day. They drive our success. We have some of the most innovative thinkers and creators, dedicated to making the world a better place.
This month, we’re sharing the stories of our DENSO associates with students across North America to inspire a new generation of manufacturing and engineering experts. By sharing these stories, and working with our industry partners, we want to address the skilled labor shortage our industry faces, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.
Upcoming Events
We’re taking our associates’ stories on the road! Outside of our annual university career fairs, we’re participating in other events to help promote manufacturing engineering careers.
Manufacturing Day: Throughout the month, DENSO’s North America group companies are hosting tours, career fairs and discussions with high school and college students as part of National Manufacturing Day.
Society of Women Engineers: DENSO will have a display booth and virtual reality experience at the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Career Fair in Minneapolis, MN, Oct. 18-19.
What you can do
Help us celebrate our people and inspire students. Here’s how you can help:
- Check out DENSO Mobile App or DENSO Facebook weekly for videos featuring our associates
- Click on “share” to post these stories on your Facebook/social media sites, or email to a friend who might be interested in a career with DENSO
- Refer your family and friends to https://densocareers.com/ to view career opportunities
Putting Smiles on Faces at Shoes for School!
The DENSO booth is always a big hit at the Knoxville Area Urban League’s Shoes for School event, and this year was no different! Thanks to our awesome volunteers who handed out backpacks to the kids and helped them play games with DENSO robots!
DENSO Gift Provides Drive for College Formula SAE Team
For students looking to join a college Formula One racing team, the way in which their racing vehicle is transported between university and race track likely isn’t top of mind. But dreams of first place finishes can quickly stall without a suitable way to move the car trailer, which requires a truck with a powerful engine to do so. Enter the DENSO North America Foundation (DNAF).
DNAF recently awarded a $50,000 gift to the Oakland University (Rochester, MI) School of Engineering and Computer Science, which allowed them to purchase a brand-new Dodge Ram 2500 crew cab truck, an ideal vehicle for hauling the trailer and precious cargo inside. Prior to that, students had to rely on the generosity (and availability) of family members to offer their personal vehicles to tow the car, which proved to be a constant challenge. Thanks to the DNAF grant, the Grizzlies racing team can transport their hotrod with convenience and style.
“Without supportive sponsors like DENSO, our team members would not be able to apply the theories learned in the classroom and test them in a dynamic real-world setting,” said Adam Delbeke, student president of the Grizzlies Racing team said. “In the past going to events was a logistics nightmare. Now, having the DENSO truck allows us to go to more events and get there with ease. We can’t thank them enough.”
With support from DNAF, the team is turning heads before even unloading their car. Oakland University shares more about the donation and what it means for the students and school.
Inforum shares networking tips in Southfield
Getting where you want in your career is often a winding path. But being an effective networker is a useful tool to navigate this sometimes uncertain journey. That’s why we were pleased to recently host Inforum at our Southfield, Michigan, headquarters for an interactive learning session – The Art of Meeting for Coffee – about how to improve networking skills. Inforum is a professional organization dedicated to accelerating women’s careers and boosting talent initiatives for Michigan’s business community.
At the event, Inforum CEO Terry Barclay and Meller Marketing Founder Brenda Meller shared their tips and strategies to create more meaningful professional relationships – in person and online. They tackled big questions, like what does your personal brand say about you? How can you influence what others think? And both spoke to personal experiences they had in finding answers to these important career questions.
One of the main takeaways from their discussion was simple, yet valuable: your approach to networking should focus on how you can help the person you are conversing with, and don’t expect immediate support in return. Networking is collaborative, and when you help others, it ultimately will come back to you. That’s a good philosophy, for work or otherwise.
Click here to learn more about how Inforum advocates for women in the workplace.
DENSO Foundation Awards Nearly $1 Million in STEM Education Grants to 22 North American Colleges and Universities
DENSO constantly searches for ways to increase young people’s access to technical education and help develop tomorrow’s workforce. Aiding this effort, the company’s philanthropic arm – DENSO North America Foundation (DNAF) – announced it will donate nearly $1 million in overall funding to 22 institutions of higher learning across North America to support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educational programming. These grants help achieve DENSO’s goal of exposing students to the rewarding careers available in manufacturing and advance the industry forward by enhancing programs that will produce the next wave of highly-skilled problem solvers.
DNAF funds will be delivered to programs focused on design, materials management, mechanical and electrical engineering principles, thermodynamics, robotics and more – all intended to help cultivate and encourage a new generation of engineers and skilled workers.
“As a global technology and automotive leader, it’s vital for DENSO to advance young people’s education in engineering, technology and other related programs,” said Doug Patton, president of the DENSO North America Foundation and executive vice president of Engineering at DENSO International America, Inc. “To remain competitive in this ever-evolving, hi-tech landscape, it calls for a workforce that is skilled, well-trained and able to adapt quickly. We feel great responsibility to prepare students for what’s next – for the health of our industry and their future careers.”
“Manufacturing and automotive companies need technically-minded associates now more than ever,” said David Cole, DENSO North American Foundation board member. “By supporting programs that emphasize STEM learning experiences in real-world settings, we hope to help students explore their passions, find a worthwhile and fulfilling career path, and help our communities prosper.”
DNAF has supported STEM education through grants at colleges and universities since 2001, enabling students to access tools, technology and experiences that better prepare them for technical careers after graduation. DENSO education grant proposals are invite only and evaluated based on technical merit, student experience and alignment with industry needs.
This year’s grant recipients, which play key roles in training the future automotive workforce, include:
- Arkansas State University – Jonesboro
- California State Polytechnic – Pomona
- California State University Long Beach
- East Tennessee State University
- FIME; Mechanical and Electrical Engineer College
- Kettering University
- Lawrence Tech
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Tech
- North Carolina State
- Northeast State Community College
- Oakland University
- Ohio State University
- Pellissippi State Community College
- Tennessee Tech
- University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
- University of Guelph
- University of Michigan Dearborn
- University of Tennessee Chattanooga
- University of Tennessee Knoxville
- West Virginia University
- Western Michigan University
DMAT receives the State of Tennessee Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy
On Friday, June 22, DENSO in Athens received the State of Tennessee Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy. Nominations for the award came from Cleveland State Community College and Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Athens. The award was not only for monetary donations, but for community involvement and volunteerism.
Upon receiving the award, the announcement speech recognized several accomplishments.
“What is really special about DENSO is the investment of their staff who have been diligent participants in our programs and activities. Their employees are consistently engaged in our Business Advisory Council as well as our Advanced Technologies Advisory Council. Their input has helped shape credit and non-credit programs that are making Cleveland State a regional leader in workforce and economic development. Their support of the Mechatronics Honors Institute is a natural progression of the many co-op and internship opportunities they have provided our students over the years.
Additionally, DENSO employees regularly participate in our annual Career Fairs and their HR staff have often served in interview panels we offer. They provide support for judging and advising our students and are regularly involved in our STEM Camps for area youth. They serve as guest speakers in our classes and they often provide tours of their plant for our students. Simply, DENSO employees are ‘all-in’ when it comes to supporting the educational needs of our students.”
Hugh Cantrell, director of North America Human Resources, accepted the award on behalf of DENSO.
About the Award
Excellence in Philanthropy Awards recognition program is comprised of two awards – the Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy and the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy. The awards were created to honor the individuals, companies, and organizations who continue to donate their resources, finances, and personal time to the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institutions.
Candidates for the Regent Award for Excellence in Philanthropy include an organization or individual that has been very generous to one or more TBR institutions or the TBR system and its students. This award is for visionaries, statespersons of the community, employer and workforce partners, and regional leaders.
DMAT receives the State of Tennessee Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy
On Friday, June 22, DENSO in Athens received the State of Tennessee Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy. Nominations for the award came from Cleveland State Community College and Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Athens. The award was not only for monetary donations, but for community involvement and volunteerism.
Upon receiving the award, the announcement speech recognized several accomplishments.
“What is really special about DENSO is the investment of their staff who have been diligent participants in our programs and activities. Their employees are consistently engaged in our Business Advisory Council as well as our Advanced Technologies Advisory Council. Their input has helped shape credit and non-credit programs that are making Cleveland State a regional leader in workforce and economic development. Their support of the Mechatronics Honors Institute is a natural progression of the many co-op and internship opportunities they have provided our students over the years.
Additionally, DENSO employees regularly participate in our annual Career Fairs and their HR staff have often served in interview panels we offer. They provide support for judging and advising our students and are regularly involved in our STEM Camps for area youth. They serve as guest speakers in our classes and they often provide tours of their plant for our students. Simply, DENSO employees are ‘all-in’ when it comes to supporting the educational needs of our students.”
Hugh Cantrell, director of North America Human Resources, accepted the award on behalf of DENSO.
About the Award
Excellence in Philanthropy Awards recognition program is comprised of two awards – the Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy and the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy. The awards were created to honor the individuals, companies, and organizations who continue to donate their resources, finances, and personal time to the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institutions.
Candidates for the Regent Award for Excellence in Philanthropy include an organization or individual that has been very generous to one or more TBR institutions or the TBR system and its students. This award is for visionaries, statespersons of the community, employer and workforce partners, and regional leaders.
DMMI Associate Encourages Learning Through FIRST Robotics
Gary Held, a senior engineer at DENSO Battle Creek’s (DMMI) Quality Control Laboratory, has supported FIRST Robotics, an international competition that gives students real-world engineering experience, for more than four years. In this role, he mentors student teams in robot design, and helps them develop skills needed to turn ideas into tangible technology ready for competition.
What Gary finds most rewarding is that students who participate are there voluntarily. They want to learn, and unlike high school sports, FIRST Robotics allows students to compete at national and international levels.
“FIRST Robotics gives students the opportunity to be on a team that uses skills that are not physical in nature,” said Gary. “They can still have the same recognition as the athletics teams, but on a playing field on which they can prosper now and gain skills that they can carry with them to succeed in the future.”
In the program, students grow their skills in areas that are standards in engineering. These include design, computer-aided design, mechanical principles, manufacturing techniques, tooling, troubleshooting, programming, working as a team and more.
DENSO is proud to sponsor FIRST Robotics and even more so of our associates who participate in its worthwhile programming. These young learners will be the lifeblood of our industry, and we look forward to continuing to enhance STEM education for students.
Students unveil sculptures at DMAT EcoPark
Last week, DMAT invited Walker Valley students, family, faculty, local city officials, and some DENSO associates to a small ceremony at the EcoPark to unveil new student sculptures.
In 2016, DENSO sponsored a local STEAM Camp, put on through a partnership between Bradley County Schools and Cleveland State Community College, to teach students about science, technology, engineering, art and math.
Thirteen local high school students participated in the camp, and as part of their final camp project, they created mock-ups of art sculptures. Now, two years later, the student sculptures are life-size, with some on display at DMAT’s EcoPark.
Students from Walker Valley worked with DENSO associates to build their full-scale sculptures in the EcoPark. The school also donated a plaque with a brief description to be placed alongside the sculptures.
DENSO was delighted to partner with students for a hands-on project exposing them to advanced manufacturing and career exploration. These students used problem solving, critical thinking, team work and creativity to create these sculptures all of which are elements we use every day at DENSO.
DIAM Quality Engineers Install Free Fire Alarms
Our associates continue to impact the neighborhoods where they work and live in big ways. In April, 22 quality engineers took time out of their day to volunteer with the American Red Cross’ Sound the Alarm program. These rock star associates installed free fire alarms in homes all over Southeast Michigan. Volunteers like Chris Panke, Justin Higgs, and Rebecca Hagerman, who participate in DENSO’s Worktime Volunteering program, shared the following about their experience:
“The work was very rewarding. It was shocking to learn how vulnerable we all are to the risk of loss due to inadequate fire safety precautions. The numbers shared were staggering and each homeowner was extremely appreciative in our education about those risks along with installing the smoke detectors which can help save them and their family members. It really was an eye-opening experience.” – Chris Panke, Quality Planning, Sr. Manager
“This was a very fun event that helps many people who are less fortunate. It is a very sobering experience to see some of the living conditions that the elderly and former military members are living in, and I was glad to be able to provide them with the extra peace of mind of having working smoke detectors…I hope to volunteer for it in the future.” – Justin Higgs, Field Quality Engineer
“For me, when I signed up to volunteer for the Sound the Alarm program, I wasn’t expecting to make much of a difference by installing smoke detectors. I was wrong. Some of the homes my team visited had zero functioning smoke detectors – zero. Just by installing the smoke detectors and providing the homeowners with valuable information about fire safety within the home and explaining the importance of having a fire escape plan, gave me a rewarding feeling. Like I was making a difference in these peoples’ lives. It was a great experience.” – Rebecca Hagerman, Sr Service/QA Support Specialist
In 2017, DENSO gave a $10,000 grant to support Sound the Alarm. From April 28-May 13, the nationwide program installed over 100,000 free smoke alarms in 100 different cities across the United States. According to the American Red Cross, seven people die from home fires each day. This initiative was created to raise fire safety awareness and save lives.
Thank you to all our employees who exemplify our passion for strengthening communities and keeping them safe. Keep up the good work!
DMAT donates $10K to STEM programming at local school
DENSO’s Athens, Tennessee, location (DMAT) recently awarded $10,000 to Cleveland High School for the third consecutive year, as reported by the Cleveland Daily Banner. With the help of Project Lead the Way, a national organization that develops STEM curriculum for schools, DENSO’s grant supports the local high school’s career and technical education programs.
Crystal Renner, a human resource supervisor at DMAT, credits the initiative’s collaborative spirit and hands-on training for its success.
“Together, DENSO, Project Lead the Way and Cleveland High School allows students access to real world applied learning experiences, which allow them to thrive in their college career and beyond,” said Renner.
This relationship with Cleveland High School – and the rest of the city’s school district – goes well beyond just writing a check. DENSO representatives also have given presentations on STEM careers in these schools and hosted students at DMAT for facility tours.
During the grant announcement, Dr. Russell Dyer, Cleveland director of schools, recognized the importance of working with partners like DENSO to develop tomorrow’s talent pool.
“We appreciate the check, but we appreciate a lot more than that,” Dyer said. “We’re really wanting to figure out what we can do to partner with the workforce, whether it’s DENSO or other companies. This is a really important thing for us.”
Click here to read the full story.
Diaper Drive Results
In support of the United Way Diaper Drive, we held our own diaper and feminine product collection at DENSO Manufacturing Michigan and designated our donation to Charitable Union.
Our team donated:
- Diapers: 1449
- Feminine Products: 1560
- Baby wipes/powder/vasoline: 1901
Thanks to everyone that donated!
DENSO, Polk County High Talk Technical Education Programs
Members of DENSO met with Polk County High to discuss their partnership for the upcoming school year. Polk and DENSO are both committed to engaging career and technical education programs to support in-demand skills and bridge the skills gap in technology.
DIAM Volunteers Talk Tech & Vehicle Safety at 2018 DAPCEP STEM Day
Last week, 992 students, grades 7-8, had a scientific day filled with hands-on activities, science experiments, career explorations, peer-to-peer talks and more at the 2018 DAPCEP STEM Day. DIAM Southfield had 6 volunteers to talk “Technology and Vehicle Safety”.
Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) is a nonprofit organization with 40 years of experience partnering with universities, training programs, and K-12 school systems in order to connect youth to the best science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) educational experiences in Michigan.
Thank you to our volunteers for helping students build a stronger understanding, appreciation and excitement for STEM!
Below are our volunteers and their speaking topics:
Dana Paul, senior recruiter in Human Resources
Introduction of DENSO International America, Inc.
Yolanda Durfield, senior account manager in Sales & Marketing
“My journey as an Engineer”
Matthew Gesch, application engineer II in AD & ADAS
“AD & ADAS Sensors”
Denise Carlson, vice president in NAPIC Planning
“Automation & Manufacturing”
Oris Rost, material engineer II in NA Material Engineering
“Automation & Manufacturing”
DIAM Engineers Give Back while Stirring up Competition
Our engineers like to compete. From sports leagues to holiday gift donations, they go all out. Our Cockpit Systems* Engineering Division even used DIAM’s Worktime Volunteering program to start its own competition for associates—a competition to see who can pack the most food donation boxes at Focus Hope for low-income seniors in need.
The competition started in Cockpit Systems 3. Dan Tran, an Engineering Senior Manager in Cockpit Systems 3, and his team chose to volunteer at Focus Hope using DIAM’s Worktime Volunteering. The following year, his director encouraged the other departments to participate and make it a division-wide competition.
“I think it’s important for management to be engaged in these types of activities to lead by example” said Dan. “Everyone enjoyed participating at this event and it was a great team bonding experience. We feel like we’ve given back to the community and that we were challenged. When someone saw a packing station falling behind, they jumped in to help keep things moving.”
*Cockpit Systems formerly known as Body Component Systems
The Winners Circle
Over the last few months, four teams competed in the Cockpit Systems Focus Hope challenge. Check out the rankings below to see how the teams fared, and read about the experiences of two associates who participated:
1st Place
Team: Cockpit Systems 3
Packed: 24 pallets (1,325 boxes)
Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes (757 boxes/hr)
“I want to commend my team for their commitment because even though it was the worst snow storm of the winter, everyone still made it downtown in time for the activity,” said Victor Vulcu, Engineer 4 in Cockpit Systems 3. “Our team won, but what’s most important was that our team packed a week’s worth of food donations for low-income seniors. I think more teams should do activities like this. It’s a good experience for associates. It’s something tangible and you can see your immediate impact.”
2nd Place
Team: Cockpit Systems 1
Packed: 14 pallets (770 boxes)
Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes (513 boxes/hr)
3rd Place
Team: Safety
Packed: 22 pallets (1,200 boxes)
Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (480 boxes/hr)
4th Place
Team: Cockpit Systems 4
Packed: 18 pallets (1,000 boxes)
Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes (429 boxes/hr)
“This volunteer activity would not have been successful without our director, Chee Cheong, and the support of our senior managers and managers,” said Nancy Chen, administrative assistant in Cockpit Systems 4. “Our director sent an email to everyone encouraging us to participate. Some associates were hesitant at first, but then they started signing up after seeing the email. The email showed that our director supported the activity during work hours and believed it was meaningful. We felt a sense of community after the activity. We felt like one DENSO team. We’re very proud to represent DENSO at Focus Hope and to show other groups our DENSO Spirit.”
Cockpit Systems Division Total: 78 pallets (4,290 boxes)
Years to Come
“Each year, we want to keep improving to see how we can be more efficient and pack the most boxes possible,” said Dan. “It’s a chance for us to be challenged both mentally and physically. Friendly competition helps drive team motivation and it feels good to support a local organization such as Focus Hope.”
Learn How to use Worktime Volunteering
Click the “Download” button on the upper, right hand side of this story to download information about DIAM’s Worktime Volunteering program.
DMCN Empowers Children and Youth with Special Needs
At DENSO, we’re committed to our communities. We’re dedicated to protecting lives, preserving the planet and preparing a bright future for generations to come.
For the last several years, DENSO Manufacturing Canada has supported KidsAbility, an organization that provides children with disabilities and medical complexities access to the support and services they need to reach their full potential. Here’s a few ways DMCN is making a difference in the lives of young children with special needs in Waterloo Region and Guelph-Wellington:
- On April 13, 2018, members of DMCN’s KidsAbility Committee presented a check for $30,000 to KidsAbility for the new Centre in Guelph for Child Development. The $30,000 will be donated over three years to support KidsAbility’s capital project to combine their two locations into one to provide better and more effective services.
- Last year, DMCn sponsored the KidsAbility Superhero Run and is a sponsor once again for the fifth annual run on June 17, 2018. If you’re interested in and able to donate to a great cause, click here for more information. Watch this video of all the heroes who participate.
- DMCN also supports the organization through a change collection in their cafeteria.
DMCN President Rich van Oorschot shared this about their support of KidsAbility:
“KidsAbility has made a tremendous impact in the lives of children and youth in the Guelph Community. Our gift to their capital project, to bring two KidsAbility Guelph locations together, ensures that all kids with disabilities and medical complexities in Guelph have access to the supports and services that they need. KidsAbility is a unique place that gives local children a stronger future. By giving back, we are making our community better, which is part of the DENSO culture. This is an important aspiration for our Company and our Associates.”
DMCN Promotes STEM at ‘A Day with a Difference’
On May 5, associates from DENSO Manufacturing Canada (DMCN) volunteered at ‘A Day with a Difference’ 2018 conference to help promote STEM to girls in grades 7 and 8.
A Day with a Difference is a one day conference for girls in grades 7 and 8 in WRDSB schools. The day is organized by the local ETFO Girls’ Conference Committee in coordination with Conestoga College. It is a day filled with hands-on workshops offered by female presenters in fields of science, math and technology.
Monique Radersma, Cherry Lou Javier, Pauline Fell, Terry Beerman and Sameet Saini, from our DMCN team, coordinated robotics workshops for the girls.
#girlscan18 #girlsinstem
DMCN Promotes STEM at ‘A Day with a Difference’
On May 5, DMCN associates volunteered at ‘A Day with a Difference’ 2018 conference to help promote STEM to girls in grades 7 and 8.
A Day with a Difference is a one day conference for girls in grades 7 and 8 in WRDSB schools. The day is organized by the local ETFO Girls’ Conference Committee in coordination with Conestoga College. It is a day filled with hands-on workshops offered by female presenters in fields of science, math and technology.
Monique Radersma, Cherry Lou Javier, Pauline Fell, Terry Beerman and Sameet Saini, from our DMCN team, coordinated robotics workshops for the girls.
#girlscan18 #girlsinstem
DENSO, SafeKids Toolkit: Engage your Community in Safe Driving
Road traffic crashes account for approximately 1.25 million fatalities every year, and about 500 child fatalities every day. To help reduce auto crashes where DENSO’s more than 23,000 North American employees live and work, the global automotive supplier, together with Safe Kids Worldwide, co-created a comprehensive roadmap encouraging employees to spread safe driving habits: the Road Safety Associate Toolkit.
The 41-page document offers safety tips, infographics, activity sheets, and other materials to assist associates in making their communities safer for kids. The Toolkit has three sections: In and Around Cars; Pedestrian Safety, and Bike Safety.
The Toolkit includes tips on installing car seats and avoiding heatstroke, advice for parents on talking to teen drivers, ways to prevent kids from being distracted while walking near roadways, and Halloween safety precautions. It also provides contact information for local Safe Kid coalitions, an action plan to make school zones safer, other online resources, and social media posts.
“Safe Kids Worldwide has been laser focused on preventing childhood injuries for almost 30 years, and we’ve made a lot of progress toward keeping kids safe,” said Torine Creppy, president of Safe Kids Worldwide. “But we can do even more by partnering with the associates of DENSO. We’re confident that our joint initiative can help to reduce the number traffic crashes and protect our children.”
DENSO is also hosting safety events throughout the country to help educate community members about child safety on the road. May marks the company’s Global Safety Month, which will focus on celebrating DENSO’s work to produce the latest vehicle safety technology and further educating drivers and pedestrians about how to reduce auto accidents.
To download the Toolkit:
Click on the Download button above this article to view and save the toolkit.
About Safe Kids Worldwide
Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to protect kids on the road, at home and at play. Preventable injuries are the number one cause of death for children in the United States. Throughout the world, almost one million children die of an injury each year, and almost every one of these tragedies is preventable. Safe Kids works with an extensive network of more than 400 coalitions in the U.S. and with partners in more than 33 countries to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, falls, burns, poisonings and more. Since 1988, Safe Kids has helped reduce the U.S. childhood death rate from unintentional injury by 60 percent. Working together, we can do much more to protect kids. Join our effort at safekids.org.
DENSO Celebrates Chin National Day
The Battle Creek community gathered to celebrate Chin National Day together this winter with sponsorship support from DENSO. The Community Cultural Center in Springfield was bursting at the seams for the annual event attended by more than 400 Battle Creek area Burmese.
Chin National Day was established almost 70 years ago to commemorate the day the Burmese threw out their feudal system, adopted democracy, and separated themselves from Great Britain. The holiday is a chance to preserve and maintain the rich culture, tradition, language, and literature of the Chin ethnic group.
This year’s event featured traditional music, dancing, food, storytelling, and fashion. The DENSO Burmese Resource Group and DMMI Business Partnering Manager Paul Gallagher represented DMMI and were recognized for the company’s event sponsorship and community support.
Lunchtime Fitness
Our DENSO associates in Dublin, Ohio got to enjoy a free lunchtime yoga session led by a fitness instructor, all thanks to the City of Dublin FitBiz program!
Dublin, Ohio Awards DENSO Business of the Month
We’re committed to the communities in which we work. DENSO was named the Dublin City Schools Business of the Month for March. Pictured is Bryan Starr, senior manager from Dublin, Ohio, accepting the award.
The Dublin City Schools Board of Education honors one local business partner a month during the school year. Businesses receive this designation for their contributions to a Dublin, Ohio school, support group, or the district at large.
