Community

DENSO has a long-time commitment to the environment as demonstrated through our 20 years of EcoVision and recently announced target to become Carbon Neutral.

This year, for the 51st Earth Day, DENSO encourages all associates to take action to help the environment. Whether small or big changes, every action is important.

5 Ways you Can Help the Earth:

• Bring a bag with you to pick up trash while enjoying the outdoors
• Reduce your use of single-use plastics (https://www.earthday.org/plastic-pollution-calculator-2/)
• Compost food waste
• Change your paper bills to online billing. You’ll be saving trees and the fuel it takes to deliver your bills by truck
• Become a citizen scientist with your cellphone (https://www.earthday.org/campaign/global-earth-challenge/)

Click here for more tips and actions that help the Earth.

Green DENSO Activities

Shoutout to our DENSO associates across North America who are organizing events for environmental awareness and action!

DENSO Manufacturing Michigan

The Environmental Department team is at main entrances this morning with pledges regarding water, waste and energy/greenhouse gases – associates can sign to pledge their commitment to help improve our environment.

DMMI is also supporting two (2) volunteer events, encouraging associates to help out in the local community: City of Battle Creek Linear Park Clean-up on April 24, and Adopt-a-Highway Volunteer Clean-up which was held April 17.

DENSO Manufacturing Canada

DMCN is hosting a challenge for DENSO families, challenging kids to build a DENSO robot using only recycled materials from home. The Robot Building Contest runs through April 28.

Share what you’re doing!

Let us know in the Comments how you’re spreading environmental awareness or taking action to help our Earth.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) officially opened its new Mechatronics Lab on March 31. DENSO Robotics was on hand to donate three robots and software to advance education in this rapidly growing engineering field.

“We need more students interested in engineering and technology,” said National Sales Manager David Robers, DENSO Robotics. “This is the perfect way for us to encourage that and help labs like these grow the next generation of engineers.”

Mechatronics combines electrical and mechanical engineering degrees. Robotic design, programming and maintenance are key study areas of the program.

“The industry is changing from traditional manufacturing to an industry 4.0 environment,” said Dean Daniel Pack, UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science. “Mechatronics is a new discipline that teaches students to prepare for those types of careers.”

DENSO Robotics donated two COBOTTAs for the lab, as well as the latest high-speed VMB six-axis robot. A COBOTTA is a human-friendly, compact and collaborative six-axis robot that can be taken anywhere and automate tasks quickly.

“Having these labs integrates all aspects of engineering and you can see how it all relates to each other,” said Erin Watson, mechatronics senior. “We definitely need relationships like what we have with DENSO Robotics, and we can’t thank them enough.”

DENSO Robotics plans to donate more than a dozen robots in 2021 to community tech and state university partners to excite future engineers and highlight advancements with the technology.

Learn more about DENSO Robotics here. And to see our roundup of the lab’s grand opening, watch this video.

Associates at our DENSO Manufacturing Canada facility proudly wore pink on April 14 to raise awareness to end bullying, discrimination, homophobia and transphobia.

Associates also signed a pledge to share their commitment to the cause.

Learn more about the International Day of Pink at www.dayofpink.org/

As we start 2021, we want to thank you for all your hard work and support this last year. We’re inspired every day by the DENSO Spirit our teams show, and we look forward to continuing to build a brighter future, together. 

Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy New Year!

Happy Holidays from DENSO-sponsored NHRA Pro Stock Motorcyclists Matt & Angie Smith!

Our team in Maryville, Tenn. just celebrated a major milestone: its 30-year anniversary! Join us in applauding them for decades of quality service and important contributions to the Volunteer State.

We recognized the achievement at a socially-distanced and digital-ready ceremony, where DENSO and state leaders highlighted the location’s significant impacts on DENSO, Blount County and the auto industry. Thank you, Maryville team for your DENSO Spirit, and here’s to 30 more.

The year 2020 may have brought on a lot of changes but DENSO’s commitment to giving back did not change. Through adjustments, creativity and commitment, our associates across North America continued to give back to the communities we live and operate in.

Here are just some of the ways our associates and locations gave back this year:

Face shield production and donations across NA

DIAM Food Packing Event

DPAM Turkey Donation

DMMI Environment Cleanup

DNMX Holiday Gifts

 DMCN Coat Drive

DMTN Holiday Gift Drive

DMAT Reading to Students

Thank you and congratulations, DENSO Associates!

Our continued commitment during this difficult year were recognized with DMTN and DIAM being nominated for awards by their communities. 

Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry

• Outstanding Community Stewardship in 2020
• Excellence in Operations Healthy and Safety

United Way of Blount County

• Community MVP Award
• Ambassador of the Year

Southfield Chamber of Commerce

• Community Cares Nominee
• Chamber Member of the Year Nominee

We couldn’t do any of this without the efforts of our associates. Thank you for continuing to demonstrate the DENSO Spirit through your efforts to give back.

Ways to give year round!

For those still compelled to give back, some suggestions are:

• Buy Local — It’s no secret that local businesses have been hard hit by the pandemic. Thus, consider getting this year’s gifts from local purveyors or ordering holiday meals from local restaurants and markets.
• Give to Organizations Supporting Frontline Workers — While first responders have spent most of 2020 tending to the public, there are many organizations at national and local levels doing important work to support them, donating things like PPE, food and care.
• Support Local Food banks — Food insecurity is on the rise. And with more people looking to feed their families over the holidays, many food pantries are offering contactless ways to give so they can fulfill their missions safely.
• Donate Blood — Since the pandemic’s start, blood centers have reported an increasing need for blood donations. While COVID has rightfully grabbed much of the medical world’s focus, more blood means more people can get the care they need.
• Go Digital — Not all volunteer activities are in person. Online resources like VolunteerMatch help connect organizations with people looking to help in all sorts of ways, including online mentorship and other activities able to be done online.

Last month, in celebration of National Native American Heritage Month, the Diversity & Inclusion task force at DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee worked with local authorities to plant a commemorative tree in the DENSO/Athens ECO park to honor the area’s local Cherokee tribe.

History of the Tree

• Scientific name: Aralia Spinosa
• Cherokee name: ultsa gita utana which means “it cuts its top off, large”
• Common name: Devil’s Walking Stick Tree

Cherokee tribe members used the Devil’s Walking Stick in many different ways for medicinal purposes. The crushed roots were used as a salve for healing old sores and a tea, made from the roots and leaves, was used to treat rheumatism. In addition, thorns of the Devil’s Walking Stick Tree were used to scratch the skin when applying medicine, which was believed to give the medicine better penetration into the body. In fact, the wood of the Devil’s Walking Stick Tree would be burned and blown on a scratched area to treat paralysis on half of the body.

What an incredible experience for all to learn more about and celebrate the Native American heritage!

The Devil’s Walking Stick Tree, planted by DMAT associates

Happy Thanksgiving! We’re so grateful for associates like you, who have been incremental in helping DENSO adapt and thrive in the face of challenging times. THANK YOU for your hard work – it has helped to strengthen our communities, promote safety (on and off the road) and engineer innovation. The holidays may look different this year, but we wish the entire DENSO family a healthy and happy turkey day.

National Manufacturing Day is observed every October to emphasize the importance of manufacturing in our national economy. Here at DENSO, we extended the celebration throughout the whole month of October, and asked others to join us!

Students from Tennessee, Michigan, and North Carolina were invited to virtual panels hosted by DENSO associates from DMMI, DMTN, and DMNC. Panel discussions covered a variety of topics within the industry, including the ones listed below and the DMMI associates supporting them:

• Safety, Health, and Environment in Manufacturing with Jody Smith and Steve Graham
  • Discussing how to provide support when hazards are present and how to minimize them, as well as safety outside the plant including sustainability and reducing our environmental footprint.

• Back to Manufacturing with Rich Stanley and Ed Fellows
  • A candid discussion with two associates who left DENSO but decided to come back – why did they return to manufacturing?

• Industrial Engineering with Lee Washburn and Sara Rodriguez
  • DENSO associates dive into the ins and outs of industrial engineering and what being an engineer is like.

• Unusual Career Pathways with Nicole Brown and Rachelle Counts
  • This panel features five DENSO associates who share the story of their unique growth path and how they got to where they are today.

• Skilled Trades with Tim Cortright and Kim Schuh
  • Human Resources and Skilled Trades panelists discuss different experiences and pathways within Skilled Trades, and why students should consider it for their career.

• Continuing Education with Laura McGuire
  • The associates on this panel discuss the opportunities of continuing training and education while working at DENSO.

• Veterans and Careers with Jack Carlsen and Cindy Dawson
  • Panelists discuss what they learned during their military experience and how it has influenced their career path.

• PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) with Jim Perry
  • Discussing what PLC’s are, how they are used, and the training needed if you are interested in working with them in your career

Thank you to all our volunteers who helped make Manufacturing Month a great success!

If you’re interested, check out the DENSO North America YouTube channel to watch recordings of each panel discussion:  www.youtube.com/c/DENSOinNorthAmerica/videos

Earlier this month, DENSO employees/associates from our thermal manufacturing facility in Battle Creek, Michigan, participated in the Krazy for the Kazoo Day, a community event aimed at beautifying the city. The group, along with others in the community, picked up a combined total of 72 bags worth of trash, cut down enough brush to fill over two semi-trailers (estimated to be 6,240 cubic feet of brush!), and planted 30 native plants. 

Not only was this event great for the community, DENSO Spirit shined bright through the collaboration, teamwork, and Kaizen demonstrated by the associates/employees who participated. 

We chatted with Jody Smith, an engineer in  Battle Creek, who spearheaded the activity, to learn more about how DENSO got involved. Here’s what she had to say:

What is Krazy for Kazoo?

Krazy for the Kazoo is an annual effort to clean up streams and rivers in the Kalamazoo River Watershed, which extends 123 miles from Albion to Saugatuck, emptying into  Lake Michigan. The event grew out of a successful cleanup program conducted in the Battle Creek and Marshall areas for more than 15 years. It’s spread to many other locations including Charlotte, Otsego, Kalamazoo, Albion, and others. Powered entirely by volunteers, each year they clean up many miles of the river, take care of places with illegal dumping problems, plant new trees, remove problematic invasive plants, and much more.

The cleanups take place throughout the year and are hosted by many different partners. The particular one that DENSO participated in is organized by the City of Battle Creek and focuses on locations in and around Battle Creek.

How did the opportunity to partner with them come about?

DENSO has had a strong relationship with the City of Battle Creek since operations began here. DENSO environmental staff participate in various city committees, such as the Battle Creek Area Clean Water Partners, City of Battle Creek Wellhead Protection Team, and the Sustainable Battle Creek Committee. The City of Battle Creek solicits volunteers for Krazy for the Kazoo from across the community and DENSO has been participating since 2014!

How many DENSO associates/employees participated in Krazy for the Kazoo?

This year we had seven associates/employees and three children/family members participate.

What was the day like?

It was an unseasonably cool morning with temperatures in the mid 30s when we first began the cleanup at 9:00 am. But it was very sunny and warmed up quickly, especially once we started working and enjoyed some hot chocolate provided by Mike Myszka!

We collected a large garbage bag worth of trash and then spent most of our efforts removing invasive vines and shrubs along 700 ft. of the Kalamazoo River. We completely cleared two areas along the river to provide gorgeous views from the Battle Creek Linear Path, which is a paved bike and walking path along the river. We finished by planting three native shrubs along the riverside — a Red Twig Dogwood and two Summer Wine Ninebark shrubs.

What kind of impact was DENSO able to make on its community?

It was great to see school groups, local businesses, local government, and people of all ages come together to improve the environment. For our DENSO group, it was a fun collaboration of associates/employees from different departments and even more impactful to include some younger family members who joined!

Are you looking forward to doing anything similar in the future?

We plan to participate in this event every year! DENSO is also participating in the City of Battle Creek Police Department’s Trunk or Treat event later this month and we participate in the City of Battle Creek’s Children Water Festival every spring.

As part of our continued celebration of Manufacturing Month, we hosted a panel discussion this week on the value of safety, health and environment (SHE) practices in the workplace.

Shawn Bryant (Maryville, Tenn.), Ryan Hodges (Maryville, Tenn.), Jody Smith (Battle Creek, Mich.) and Steve Graham (Battle Creek, Mich.) chatted about DENSO’s SHE practices, explaining how our facilities across the country have adapted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The DENSO Spirit tenant of collaboration has been critical during this time, as we’ve all come together to create safer, stronger work environments. Though some processes have changed, one thing remains the same – DENSO is committed to protecting people’s lives, the communities we operate in, and the facilities that our employees work in. 

You can watch their conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4ZTth7qdwg 

We also hosted panels on Robotics, Women in Manufacturing and Skilled Trades. To view these webinars, click the links below:

• Robotics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOJd0UhqY
• Women in Manufacturing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbQk9wM2fN4
• Skilled Trades: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8YTa6HamnY

A message from Daryl Beebe of Southfield Schools, sharing a big THANKS to our associates for their support!

DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc. (DMMI) awards college scholarships to two exceptional Battle Creek Math and Science Center students for academic and personal achievement each year. This year’s 2020 recipients are Javeria Asif and Paul Radulescu.

Javeria recently graduated from Lakeview High School with an impressive GPA of 4.49. In the fall, she will be attending the University of Michigan and majoring in Biochemistry, aspiring to be a cardiologist. With her impressive record of volunteering, Javeria has given back to not just to her local community, but globally as well. From helping clean the Kalamazoo River and volunteering at the KCC Water Festival, to teaching self-defense classes at an all-girls school in Pakistan, Javeria has shown her passion to have a positive impact on others.

Paul recently graduated from Marshall High School as the valedictorian of his class. He also plans to attend the University of Michigan in the fall, majoring in Engineering. His fascination with space and aviation is motivating him to pursue a career in the aerospace industry. Additionally, Paul is a motivated Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America. The greatest lesson he has learned is the importance of hard work, and he is thankful for the memories he has made on camping trips and many other events with friends.

Congratulations Javeria and Paul, best wishes as you continue your academic careers!

For many years, Southfield, Michigan associates have been active in supporting programs to get food to those in need. Whether it has been food drives on campus or packaging food at Focus Hope, we have worked to ensure there was food on the table for those in need.   The COVID-19 crisis has only increased the need.

In coordination with Community Affairs, associates are continuing to pack and distribute food to those in need.  Recently, associates from Thermal Business Group (PG1 Engineering)  spent their mornings packaging food for Focus Hope’s senior delivery program, while others were distributing food at Southfield High School to community members in need.

“It was evident when we walked in, they desperately needed help.  I’m so glad we as DENSO could make such a big impact in such a short time, “ said Pete Bassick, Sr. Design Engineer. “Focus Hope did a great job ensuring social distancing and mask usage throughout the event.  I felt safe the entire time and plan to go back.”

Big thanks to our thermal team for jumping in to help! DENSO volunteers packed 12.5 pallets, which is approximately 670 food boxes. The day before Focus Hope had only packed 4 pallets.

Get Involved

Focus Hope in Detroit has two needs for volunteers: (1) Packaging food boxes for distribution and (2) distribution of the packed boxes.  The packaging activity occurs inside.  Food distribution requires volunteers to deliver pre-packed boxes from the Focus Hope warehouse to the senior in need.

Focus Hope also conducts a temperature screening of all volunteers prior to beginning.

Those interested in volunteering can review the available slots at: https://focushope.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=486261

Another volunteer option is distribution of fresh produce and dairy. The distribution occurs at Southfield High School every Friday from 9am-1pm. Volunteers are asked to arrive by 8:45.  This event is held outdoors. The volunteers distribute food to approximately 1,200 recipients each Friday.

Those interested in volunteering for this distribution should contact Melissa Smith.

Community Affairs reviews volunteer projects prior to associate participation to ensure social distancing and safe practices are in place.  Participants are required to wear masks during their volunteer time.

The FCA Sales team recently showed us the importance of collaboration and teamwork – a key element of DENSO Spirit.

Some of us may be feeling some semblance of “normal” with the auto industry restarting and with the implementation of our phased Return-to-Work protocol, but the fact of the matter is that COVID-19 is still very real. While we’ve increased production across North America, we continue to prioritize the safety of our associates, customers and communities and look for ways to take care of each other.

The FCA Sales team worked together on several wonderful community projects to help support local health care workers:

• Organized a food drive at the University of Michigan for Food Gathers, a food bank that works with 200 local nonprofits in southeast Michigan.

• Donated and collected donations from family and friends to cater over 300 lunches for nurses and doctors at U of M, Beaumont, Henry Ford and Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospitals.

• Assembled care boxes for hospital staff.
• Created colorful chalk art in front of hospitals to brighten workers long and challenging days as they fight the virus.

“I’m so proud of the team for taking the initiative during a really trying and challenging time to do something so positive for the community. So many people have asked how they can get involved and help,” said Derek Sneideraitis, Sr. Sales Manager, DENSO. “While DENSO has stepped up to help in big ways, the efforts of our associates are a true showing of DENSO Spirit. Seeing our team come together like this has given me a lot of hope for our future.”

DENSO Eco-VISION ACTION 10’s third commitment is to doubling our clean efforts.  This commitment has a particular focus on cleaning our production locations through water consumption reductions, improvements in recycling, elimination and reduction of toxic materials and increasing education for all.

In addition to supporting our environmental sustainability goals, this commitments also supports two of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):

• Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
• Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

DENSO Contributions

DENSO locations across North America have been working with suppliers to minimize the use of Substance of Concern chemicals in our products.  DENSO has integrated compliance checks into our product development process to assure requirements related to Substance of Concern are met prior to start of production.

DENSO locations also have comprehensive waste management programs that strive to maximize the reduction, reuse and recycling waste materials. Associate input has seen programs expand to returnable cans, bottles and K-Cups at various locations.

COVID-19 has created a situation with a low demand for recycled materials.

Associates can aide by not generating scrap and ensuring strong segregation when sorting recycled materials. Mixing of waste and recyclables lowers their value and more likely to be sent to landfill

What You Can Do

Take your DENSO Spirit to find clean efficiencies in your life. Some examples:

• Pay bills online instead of paper bills
• Freeze fresh produce and leftovers to save food and money
• Understand your local recycling guidelines to recycle efficiently
• Buy funny or ugly fruits and vegetables. These are produce items that are usually discarded due to looks despite being edible. Purchase of this items helps reduce unnecessary food waste.

Share how you are supporting ECO VISION 2025 and DENSO’s energy commitments by sharing your activities and tips on social media and use #DENSOSpirit. Click here to learn more.

As DENSO North America President and CEO Ken Ito said in his message to associates, DENSO is committed to supporting the communities it calls home. In this period of uncertainty caused by COVID-19, the DENSO North America Foundation (DNAF) provided grants to non-profit organizations doing critical work in our communities. The grants supported food pantries, healthcare workers and their efforts to treat patients, childcare workers supporting essential workforce, and those providing financial assistance to the individuals and families most impacted.

Below are some of the thank you notes DNAF received from recipient organizations:

• Without your gift, I’m not sure we could have bridged the gap so that our agency could survive, especially after we had to furlough employees and close the thrift store. But we are coming back to life.

• With each passing day, the demand for healthy nutritional food is dramatically escalating. The financial support given by DENSO will help The Foodbank’s ability to respond to a community in need.

• Friends like you who invest in transforming the lives of others, make it possible for us to continue our deep commitment to provide a hand up, not a hand out. Your support will help low-income individuals, families, homeless, seniors, and those financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis receive essential services. We are grateful for your generosity and commitment in assisting those in need.

• Thanks to you, we were able to provide COVID-19 care baskets to the vulnerable families we serve and the child care facilities who remained open to provide care for children of essential workers during this public health crisis. The baskets were filled with critical medical and cleaning supplies needed to ensure the health and safety of the children in our community as well as resources about helping children cope with trauma. As staff personally delivered these baskets while following social distancing guidelines, we were humbled by the grateful smiles, tears of joy and lifted spirits.

• Due to Covid-19 our annual fundraiser had to be cancelled.  The gift definitely lifted a financial burden for us. This allowed us to focus on our programs that meet the needs of our community.  We have a feeding program where we serve over 400 families a month with supplemental food.  Can goods are in high demand.  Your funds will ensure that we will not run out of can goods for the whole year. 

• The Mission houses the homeless, women, children and men of our area.  When a person comes to the Mission they usually come with the clothes on their backs.  Your Gift will ensure that each person that enters will be able to obtain brand new clothes, undergarments, socks and a new pair of shoes.  The simple things that you and I take for granted, bring so much joy to the underserved of our community. 

• It came in at the right time to keep us from having to close our doors, and laying off my assistant, and myself. The donations had been so low that our bank balance was under $3,000 and we still had bills to pay and building insurance was coming up!  When I opened of the envelope, if I had of been able I would have leaped for joy!  We are opened Monday – Thursday to assist the less fortunate with food and clothing.  If we would have had to close the Pantry, or limit our days open, a lot of people would have been without!  Thank You!

When COVID-19 first struck, we launched the #DENSOspirit campaign to help each other stay connected and show how all of us worked together to be a force for good. Now, as stay-at-home orders are lifting and we safely return to work, we have a new opportunity to show how #DENSOspirit continues to shine bright which is why we are broadening the themes to include Quality, Inclusion, Environment, Innovation, Community Support and beyond.

Recently, our North American CEO Kenichiro Ito shared how, to him, DENSO is not only a family but a company that deeply cares about each and every one of us, our customers, communities, society and the planet. And right now, showing that we care means placing a focus on things like quality, inclusion, and the environment.

How are you showing #DENSOSpirit in these areas?

Are you or someone you know doing something or taking part in a small or big project, either inside or outside of work, that showcases high-quality work, diversity and inclusion efforts, and/or care for the environment? These actions could include how you’re working with and supporting coworkers, uplifting your family, friends and neighbors, or how you’re participating in DENSO’s calls to action regarding inclusion, quality, environmentalism, and more. Submit your story by tagging us and using #DENSOspirit on social media or by emailing DENSOspirit@outlook.com.

Click here to learn more about our DENSO Spirit values:

• Credibility – Quality, KAIZEN (continuous improvement), on-site verification
• Foresight – Vision, creativity, challenge
• Collaboration – Communication, teamwork, human development

We’ll continue to share your content each week. Make sure you follow our social and internal channels to see how your colleagues across North America are bringing DENSO Spirit to life.

As a reminder, here are some helpful tips for posting your stories on social media:

• Use #DENSOspirit and tag DENSO North America on its appropriate social channel
  • Facebook (@DENSOinNorthAmerica)
  • LinkedIn (@DENSO)
  • Twitter (@DENSOinNA)
  • Instagram(@DENSOnorthamerica).
  • If you’d prefer to share your stories by email, you can send your submissions to DENSOspirit@outlook.com

• Set your post’s privacy settings to public
• • • After you create your post, click on the drop-down box opposite the News Feed text
    • From the drop-down box, select ‘Public’ when promoted “Who should see this?”
    • Click post!

• Include an image or video if you can
  • Must follow your local DENSO picture guidelines if taken at DENSO facility

• Include a sentence or two on what you or others are doing to show DENSO Spirit (credibility, foresight and/or collaboration) inside or outside of work:
  • How you’re working with and supporting DENSO associates and others
  • Stories on how you are uplifting your family or community
  • How you’re participating in DENSO’s calls to action regarding COVID-19, environmentalism, etc.

• Prohibited Content
  • Confidential & Proprietary Information: Per DENSOs information security policy, no Confidential, Deemed Confidential or Proprietary Images or information may be shared outside the company. If you are not sure what us confidential, you can Facebook message us and we’ll help you out.
  • Inappropriate Content: DENSO reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to remove any content which it deems inconsistent with the #DENSOspirit campaign or otherwise inappropriate content, such as:
    • Profane language
    • Insults
    • Bullying
    • Overt negativity, etc.

A special thanks to everyone who already shared their amazing work. It was inspiring to see so many of you come together and support your communities in fighting COVID-19. Whether your actions are big or small, we’re excited to continue showcasing our collective #DENSOspirit!

DMTN’s Jon Callies says it’s important to “recognize the good” by thanking the people who sew masks to help keep our communities safe! We’ve been floored by the amount of good our associates are doing in their communities – it’s #DENSOspirit!

Jimmy shared his #DENSOspirit this week by giving thanks to Kathy, a DENSO nurse, for her hard work and dedication on the frontlines of the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Thank you each and everyone for your #DENSOspirit submissions! What you’re doing is truly inspiring. Keep up the great work! 

We’re still accepting submissions! Please keep sharing how you’re spreading joy, kindness, and support in your community. 

On social media, post a photo or video, use #DENSOspirit and tag:

• • On Facebook @DENSOinNorthAmerica
  • On LinkedIn @DENSO
  • On Twitter @DENSOin NA
  • On Instagram @DENSONorthAmerica
• Or email us at densospirit@outlook.com

For weeks now, a team of spirited DENSO employees across three of its locations in Michigan and North Carolina quietly joined the effort to battle COVID-19 by taking on projects intended to protect health care workers. DENSO employees used their expertise in engineering, design, molding and manufacturing to support special customer and partner projects to produce respirator components. While a temporary shift in production, the DENSO team has been able to produce components to help increase the number of respirators in circulation during the pandemic.

The project is a demonstration of credibility, foresight and collaboration, or what we call DENSO Spirit.

Agile Engineering & Design:

Earlier in March, DENSO’s engineering and sales teams, located at its North American headquarters in Southfield, Michigan quickly worked to support a customer request to bring powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) from design to production in just under 25 days. About 200 DENSO employees worked on this project, and the team – from global leadership, to DENSO’s design and manufacturing engineers, production experts, and security guard personnel – came together to collaborate with the customer at an accelerated speed.

“This has been a project that I am so proud to be a part of. The levels of dedication and commitment from our employees has been nothing short of amazing,” said Sergio Pujols, a director of research and development at DENSO and a leader one of the projects. “We jumped at the chance to support a greater need within our communities and do our small part to protect the health care workers who are risking their lives every day.”

Production Super Stars:

From mid-April, a small group of employees at DENSO’s Thermal facility in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Greenville, North Carolina, facility proudly produced medical equipment components for two separate projects.

“Not only are we grateful for the work our employees are doing, we’re also incredibly proud of how quickly they’ve pivoted from crafting auto parts to creating potentially life-saving equipment,” said Andris Staltmanis, Business Unit Leader of DENSO’s Thermal Operations in North America. “We’re all looking forward to getting back to “normal” and doing what we do best – manufacturing parts that make the vehicles on our road safe and efficient – but we’re honored and humbled to support those who need it most right now during this pandemic.”

More about DENSO Spirit:

The DENSO Spirit expresses values and beliefs shared by our employees around the world that have driven us to contribute to the automotive industry and society as a whole since our establishment in 1949.

Another week brings another great round of #DENSOspirit submissions. The work our associates are doing every day to help their communities continues to inspire us! 

Know of a team member doing their part to help others? Share it through the channels below, we would love to hear about it!

• On social media, use #DENSOspirit and tag:
  • On Facebook @DENSOinNorthAmerica
  • On LinkedIn @DENSO
  • On Twitter @DENSOin NA
  • On Instagram @DENSONorthAmerica
• Or email us at densospirit@outlook.com

Shared by Joanna Vega

Check out this great team who helped get our Battle Creek facility ready to go. Thanks to Joanne, Scar, Deb, Nicole, Brenda, Eiko, Connie and Tyler!

Shared by Sarah Fox & Brian Stawowy

Sarah’s husband Brian worked with a local distillery to provide hand sanitizer to our public housing residents in Ferndale, MI.

Shared by Christina Khim

Christina’s beautiful baby Grace shows off her own #DENSOspirit while her mom helps translate back to work materials into Burmese!

Shared by Faith Baker-Forbush

Faith had the great idea to make masks out of recycled materials

Shared by Eutimio Cardenas

Eutimio is doing his part by giving away face shields!

As automakers slowed production of vehicles due to the coronavirus crisis in mid-March, Britt Autry, vice president of manufacturing at DENSO, came together with other executives at DENSO’s Maryville facility to chart a new course for their associates and plant operations.

“As a company, we have something we call ‘DENSO spirit,’” Autry said. “It has several elements, and three of them are foresight, credibility and collaboration. Foresight means that we see a problem coming, and we can mobilize our workforce to help.”

Autry and several DENSO engineers wanted to help fight COVID-19 in their area. They quickly pivoted from manufacturing auto parts to making personal protective equipment (PPE) for hospitals in need and created a new face shield using materials already on hand. Within a week, they developed an initial prototype and worked on modifications with the help of some amazing nurses at Blount Memorial Hospital. The final face mask has some unique features to help stop the spread of COVID-19, including an elongated shield that covers your ears and allows enough room to wear glasses or other PPE underneath.

DENSO already has requests from regional hospitals for more than 50,000 shields – all of which they plan to donate. Autry said this is a short-term project, as they wanted to quickly fill a local need by making face shields for front line workers.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, DENSO has:

• Donated nearly 2,000 N95 masks to hospitals in Michigan and North Carolina
• Joined a D-Wave project to give free access to a quantum computing systems that could facilitate medical breakthroughs to combat COVID-19
• Started manufacturing thousands of face shields to protect local health care workers in Maryville, Tenn.
• In Canada, an employee of DENSO’s Guelph, Ontario, facility answered InkSmith’s call for people to 3D-print face shield components and is sending them to the company for assembly and donation to Canadian hospitals

To see all DENSO’s COVID-19 updates, click here.

We’ve always supported the places we all call home. First, our philanthropic arm, DENSO North America Foundation, is donating to local organizations across North America battling COVID-19. Grant recipients have been selected and in the process of being notified, and we look forward to sharing this information with you next week.

A few weeks ago, we’ve also created a COVID-19 Cross-functional Community Contribution Task Force which will focus on:

• Planning the manufacturing and donating of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Supporting community organizations
• Collaborating with partners up and down the supply chain

“We feel called upon to support our communities and those working so hard to protect us,” said DENSO’s North American CEO and Executive Officer Kenichiro Ito. “We’re grateful and hope our small contributions help improve the greater good. With our advanced manufacturing network and strong community ties, we’ll continue to look to use these assets to try to help as many people as possible.”

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, we’ve also:

• Donated nearly 2,000 N95 masks to hospitals in Michigan and North Carolina
• Started manufacturing thousands of face shields to protect local healthcare workers in Maryville, Tenn.
• In Canada, an employee of DENSO’s Guelph, Ontario, facility answered InkSmith’s call for people to 3D-print face shield components and is sending them to the company for assembly and donation to Canadian hospitals
• Began manufacturing components to help our customers COVID-19 efforts
• Collaborated with our customers and our supply chain to identify areas we can support and began implementing
• Joined a D-Wave project to give free access to a quantum computing systems that could facilitate medical breakthroughs to combat COVID-19

Our cross-functional task force team is working hard on many other activities that can help combat and mitigate the COVID-19 crisis. We look forward to sharing those activities, as well as all the DENSO Spirit actions our teams and associates are doing to make a difference during this unprecedented time.

To see all of our other COVID-19 updates, click here.

Health care workers battling COVID-19 need our support more than ever. That’s why DENSO’s doing its part by donating nearly 2,000 N95 masks to hospitals in Michigan and North Carolina.

“As the COVID-19 outbreak proliferates, DENSO is continuously evaluating ways it can help reduce the spread of the virus,” said Kenichiro Ito, executive officer of DENSO Corporation and chief executive officer of DENSO’s North American headquarters. “This donation is a small representation of our tremendous appreciation and gratitude for those who need these masks the very most. We commend the selfless health care workers who are on the front lines responding to the virus.”

Our North American headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, is providing over 1,600 of the respirators to Ascension Providence Hospital-Southfield while our thermal manufacturing facility in Battle Creek is giving 300 to Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.

The DENSO team in Greenville, North Carolina, also is donating a small number of the masks to Vident Medical Center, based locally.

DENSO locations across North America, which have already enacted stringent safety measures to help protect our associates, are currently looking into additional opportunities with industry and government partners in which we can further support the broader fight against COVID-19.

We thank you all for your support and patience during this challenging time. It is because of your resilience and flexibility that we will all get through this, together. We will share more updates as they are available.

Last week, DMTN hosted our largest tour group to  date – 168  students from Hardin Valley Academy. The students visited the Information Safety Division where they enjoyed some friendly competition with DENSO trivia, a question and answer session on career opportunities and a brief tour.

Thank you to all of our associates who helped us host such a large group!

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.

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.

Since DENSO was founded in 1949, we have taken our responsibility to society – both people and the environment – seriously. Throughout the years, this mindset and dedication has grown. Today, our commitment to sustainability is woven in many of our foundational and corporate initiatives. DENSO Philosophy. Long-term Policy 2030. It’s part of who we are.

That is why we deeply consider the impact our company has on global social issues and how we can address these issues. Developed by the United Nations in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a way we can categorize, or focus, our efforts to ensure what we do and how we do it has a cumulative positive impact on global issues.

SDGs, a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all, are 17 goals and 169 targets that address the global challenges we face and interconnect so that no one is left behind. This mindset – to provide a better future for all – is mirrored in the slogan of our Long-term Policy 2030, “Bringing hope for the future for our plant, society and all people.”

Taking a first step

After initial discussions about the meaning of SDGs and how they link to company goals, leadership at DENSO Mexico wanted to educate managers about these goals and their importance. With the help of an external SDG consultant, a 1-hour workshop was held for 60 associates from the general manager and above levels. In addition to getting a high-level view of each of the SDGs, attendees also learned best practices and implementation activities from other companies, institutions, special projects and individuals.

After some time to reflect and discuss the SDGs and how they impact DENSO Mexico, the 60 attendees were tasked with linking SDGs to current activities and 2020 plans.

In this article series, we’ll highlight DENSO activities that support these SDGs – if you have an activity you’d like to see highlighted, please email christine_olszewski@denso-diam.com.

Our thermal manufacturing associates in Battle Creek came out in force to support the United Way of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo during our 2019 pledge campaign.

In addition to turning in more than $120,000 in pledge forms, associates also participated in a Day of Caring event to support the Food Bank of Southwest Michigan, an ice cream social, disc golf tournament and prize raffle.

Thank you to everyone for their generosity and spirit to benefit our friends and neighbors who need the support the United Way and their partner agencies.

Associates line up for the Ice Cream Social, featuring several flavors and toppings dished up by the DENSO management team.

More than 500 associates enjoyed ice cream during the annual event, adding an additional $1,000 to annual United Way campaign donations.

Associates put their assembly expertise to work by assembling weekend food bags for children in need.

The Food Bank of Southwest Michigan provided the food, which associates set up for assembly during lunch and break times. This allowed dozens of associates to participate during their work day.

This weekend, DENSO Sales Canada, Inc., is excited to sponsor the 2019 Japan Festival CANADA, the largest Japanese cultural event in North America. The annual celebration promotes Japan’s contemporary and traditional culture, food, technology, and fashion. This year’s event, held August 24-25, 2019, in Mississauga, Ontario, is focused on celebrating 90 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada.

DENSO’s relationship with Canada is a special one. From founding DENSO Sales Canada in 1972 in Mississauga, Ontario, to recently celebrating the 20^th anniversary of our thermal facility in Guelph, Ontario, to opening the Montréal Innovation Lab, we have been shaping the future of advanced mobility and providing high-quality jobs to Canada’s diverse and talented workforce for nearly 50 years.

“DENSO has had a strong presence and deep commitment to Canada and its local communities for much time now. As a global mobility supplier with Japanese roots, we’re proud to support an event that celebrates the close cultural and business ties between these two great nations,” said Kenichiro Ito, senior executive officer for DENSO Corporation and chief executive officer of DENSO’s North American headquarters.

Learn more about our sponsorship of the Japan Festival CANADA here.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.”

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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”

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.”

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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

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.

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.