DENSO Battle Creek Plant, Training Investment

Main Navigation

Advertisement
Social Connect
Resources
Our Brand Family
Counterman - Babcox Media
Counterman has been serving auto parts jobbers, retailers and distributors since 1983.
News

DENSO To Invest More Than $37 Million In Battle Creek Plant, Training 

The investment supports localization of component manufacturing for several customers.

Counterman Staff
By Counterman Staff
Published:
Photo by Mark Phillips
Photo by Mark Phillips

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Global auto supplier DENSO announced today an investment in the future – more than $37 million in machinery and equipment to expand automation at its DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc. (DMMI) manufacturing facility in Battle Creek.

Related Articles

The investment supports localization of component manufacturing for several customers. The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) also awarded DENSO a performance-based grant for up to $687,500 to train current and future employees preparing for higher skilled jobs. The grant will also provide funds for English as a second language (ESL) training with a manufacturing focus that DMMI will create and share with the community.

“The jobs DENSO offers today are significantly different than when we started production in Battle Creek 30 years ago,” said Andris Staltmanis, DMMI President. “We are excited to make this investment to train and prepare our current and future employees for these higher-skilled, higher-paying, sustainable jobs. This is a critical step to help DENSO stay competitive and we appreciate the support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.”

DMMI has created 300 Lead Associate positions, a new, skills-based production job designed to support their next generation product manufacturing. MSF funding, combined with a $125,000 training and relocation incentive from Battle Creek Unlimited, will support both on-site training classes and formal instruction at Kellogg Community College. Lead Associates receive more than 130 hours of formal instruction in addition to extensive on-the-job training.

“In addition to Lead Associate training, DMMI is excited to develop and share ESL training designed for manufacturing careers,” Staltmanis said. “Helping our ESL employees be more successful on the job will open pathways for them to move up in the company and realize their potential.”

Manufacturing-focused ESL curriculum will also benefit the community through partnerships with local cultural and educational institutions who will be invited to use and adapt the materials.

“A more educated community reaps benefits beyond where the employee works,” Staltmanis said. “DENSO is the largest manufacturing operation in Battle Creek, but our partners in the Fort Custer Industrial Park and other areas will also be able to access this specialized information to benefit their workforce and the broader community.”

DMMI is planning to hire 125 employees as a part of the investment and training initiative. A job fair to fill more than 60 open direct hire manufacturing and skilled trades positions will be held on Saturday, July 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their Battle Creek facility. For more information, visit http://goo.gl/upq0Ag.

DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc. (DMMI) is the lead production facility for DENSO’s Thermal Systems North American Center (TAC) and the largest employer in Battle Creek. DMMI manufactures automotive air conditioning and engine cooling components and systems, including condensers, radiators, CRFMs (condenser, radiator, and fan modules), heater cores, evaporators and HVAC units. The DMMI campus in Battle Creek comprises more than 1,380,000 square feet of manufacturing, warehouse and administrative floor space in 6 buildings on over 100 acres of land, and is the largest facility in Fort Custer Industrial Park.

 

You May Also Like

Auto Industry

Customer Service: How It’s Done

Customer service should be your number one priority, and it all starts with the greeting.

Eric Garbe
By Eric Garbe
Eric Garbe is a graduate of Columbus State Community College with a degree in Automotive Maintenance Technology. He has extensive independent and dealership field experience as a technician and shop owner and is an ASE Certified Master Technician and former Adjunct Automotive Professor. He has been professionally writing automotive technical articles and documents for many years and in his free time enjoys restoring old cars and creating custom interiors and upholstery.
Published:

This is always an important topic to discuss, because I consider excellent customer service one of the most important tools you can have to earn trust, respect and repeat business from the customers that come through your door. Whether that customer is do-it-yourselfer from across town or the professional repair shop across the street, your business depends on a solid relationship.It’s a subject that I am passionate about, and it’s one that many people are losing touch with. Whether you are communicating to someone in person, on the phone or using some type of social media, good customer service and bad can both exist. You can’t afford the latter, so this is the first in a series of topics which can and should be shared from the front of the shop to the back. No matter which role you hold, you represent the shop and yourself. Customer service should be your number one priority.First on the list is the greeting. From the second a customer walks in the door, they need to know you appreciate them coming in and how important they are to your business. First impressions are everything and here’s the correct way to do it each and every time: look them directly in the eye, smile and say hello!Of course, you can say “Good morning” or “Welcome to Joe’s Autocare,” but it should be a formal greeting and the most important thing is that you have smiled, looked them in the eye and recognized that they have walked through the door.You should always retain a formal greeting until you are on a first-name basis with a customer. Only once you have established that level of relationship is it OK to use the less formal greeting of “Hi,” followed by the person’s name.This greeting does more than just indicate respect and appreciation for someone walking through the door. Most likely there are customers both new and old who are in earshot of your conversation. For newer customers, this continues to build rapport and reinforce their positive view of your shop; they see that you demonstrate respect and treat everyone in the same manner. For repeat customers, even ones that have been coming for years, the greeting is important because the way you treat them is the reason they continue to come.And when a long-time customer comes in and you greet them with “Hi [First Name],” this indicates your appreciation for them and that you’re glad to see them as a person, more than just a customer. New customers that witness this will see that your repeat customers are comfortable enough to be on a first-name basis, another indication of the trust they have in you.

Read Full Article

More News Posts
MEMA Launches At-Home REPAIR Campaign

The next step in the campaign to get the REPAIR Act passed is to get aftermarket suppliers involved.

By Emma Henderson
Shaw Assumes Leadership of MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers

Collin Shaw succeeds Julie Fream who served 10 years in the position.

By Emma Henderson
AACF Launches 65th Anniversary Fundraising Initiative

The campaign aims to raise $65,000 through 1,000 donations of $65 each.

By Counterman Staff
Schaeffler Publishes 2023 Sustainability Report 

Schaeffler was awarded an “A” score in the climate change category for 2023 by the global non-profit environmental organization CDP for corporate transparency and performance.

By Emma Henderson
Schaeffler Sustainability Report

Other Posts

Introducing ‘Sustainability by Schaeffler’ on Counterman.com

In the weeks and months ahead, stay tuned for more sustainability content from Schaeffler and Counterman.

By Josh Cable
Schaeffler Sustainability
Jacki Lutz Named Content Director at Auto Care Association

Lutz will be tasked with leading a cross-functional and multimedia content strategy, development and execution across all platforms.

By Josh Cable
Jacki Lutz Auto Care
Auto Care Association Certified as a Great Place to Work

“This prestigious award is a testament to the association’s commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and dynamic work environment for its employees,” Auto Care said.

By Josh Cable
HD Repair Shops Report Increases in Counter Sales, Labor Rates

The data comes from a Fullbay report published in partnership with ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council.

By Josh Cable
Heavy Duty Repair