Why I chose DENSO - TAC Associate Site

T H E
CORE
DMMI’s Central News Source
March 18, 2016
Why
I chose
DENSO
Engineer Loren Sanders Grows
His Career in Michigan
In manufacturing and technology-related fields, six out of
ten positions remain unfilled due
to a talent shortage. Why? The
negative image of manufacturing and lack of STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and
Math) skills. To help tackle this
problem, the DENSO North
America Foundation donated $1
million to colleges and universities last year to help fund related
education programs for students,
along with offering extensive coop programs for students.
The Foundation recently
reached out to spotlight a
DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc. (DMMI) team member
to help show how this investment
is paying off. Here’s an exclusive
first look at an upcoming feature
in VISION, DENSO’s North
American newsletter.
When Loren Sanders graduated from Western Michigan
University, he knew he wanted to
What’s Up
Calendar subject to change.
stay local, but wasn’t quite sure
how he could build a career as an
engineer in Southwest Michigan
– especially with one of Michigan’s largest industries being
automotive.
“I was leery about looking for
jobs in automotive,” said Sanders.
“It had a reputation of being
unstable and dated. It didn’t seem
exciting. At least, that’s what I
thought.”
That all changed when he
walked into DENSO Manufacturing Michigan (DMMI). He
was dragging his feet coming in
for an interview when the 1.3
million-square-foot plant floor
caused Sanders’ jaw to drop.
Sanders said it was like a toy shop
for an engineer, filled with innovative technology and automation. He aced the interview and
never looked back.
Sanders said there was only
one other time he had been so
motivated and excited about en-
WED Mar 23
gineering –when he first walked
onto the engineering campus at
Western Michigan University.
He loved the innovation and the
hands-on programs Western had
to offer. He also credits his education at Western for teaching him
how to problem solve and deal
with complex issues, skills he uses
daily in his role at DENSO.
“I know I couldn’t find a better
job locally, due to the company’s
stability and focus on career
advancement,” said Sanders. “The
sky’s the limit at DENSO, which
really motivates me.”
Sanders has enjoyed working
at DMMI for nearly two years as
a process engineer in ECM final
assembly.
“We’re changing the future of
manufacturing. I’m so excited
and proud to be a part of that,”
said Sanders. “Even small changes
can make a huge impact.” 
Associate Communication Meeting:
4:30p-5:30p, Conference Room
DENSO North America
Foundation Donates
$1 Million
Founded in 2001, the DENSO
North America Foundation
(DNAF) invests its grant dollars
to colleges and universities in
locations near DENSO facilities
to help tackle the talent shortage in engineering and skilled
trades, and to bring more team
members into the DENSO
family. DNAF focuses on
strengthening STEM education
and donated $1 million in the
past year.
In 2015, the DENSO Foundation donated $50,000 to
Western Michigan University
to support the Solar and the Society of Automotive Engineers
(SAE) Vehicle Teams.
To find out more about DNAF,
visit http://densofoundation.
org/.
WED Mar 30
DMMI Scholarship Application Deadline:
See Exchange #015
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New South End Break Area Opens for Associates
Most associates didn’t even know it was
there, but the former audio-visual room
(also known as “the black hole” after its wall
color), has been transformed into a new
break area for Condenser associates.
“When I first came to Condenser two
years ago, the first thing that was brought to
my attention was that the Dining Center was too far to walk to find seating for
adequate rest during break time,” said Chad
Orbeck, Production Manager. “Refrigerators and vending were located in the main
walking aisle, so it was cumbersome to get
something in the fridges and associates
would have to wait around, wasting valuable
rest time.”
The renovated space features a new exterior door and window into the plant, fresh
paint, new ceiling tile and furniture for that
well-deserved break time.
Vending and refrigerators
were also moved into the area,
marking an important milestone for plant safety with
a clear pedestrian walkway
down the main aisle.
The core assembly and
press areas of Condenser
production will maintain the
break area and keep it up to
5S. More than 100 people
will share the new space.
Chad said that next fiscal
year, more break area improvements are planned for
the middle and back areas
Show Your Sweet Sixteen
Swagger
Bring $1 to donate to DMMI’s Scholarship Fund on Friday, March 25
and wear a shirt that supports your favorite college team. Team Leaders and Supervisors will collect the $1 from their associates.
of the processes along the west end of the
facility. 
k
n
a
Th YOU
Congratulations Janice Waggoner
(Production 5 Advanced Associate)
on your retirement after 21 years of
service. Janice has been a DENSO
associate since 1995. Janice’s party
will be held Monday, March 21 at
2:00 PM in the Dining Center. 
Have news? Then please send an email to DMMI_communications@
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