Denso Corp., an automotive supplier based in Japan, is planning to invest nearly $1 billion and create 2,000 jobs in North America over a four-year span. The company supplies advanced technology, systems and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electronics and information and safety.
Of this, more than $750 million and 1,200 will be in the United States alone.
"We're on track with our North American investment commitment, and to date, of the 1,200 jobs we've committed to creating in the U.S., we've already added 1,100," said Terry Helgesen, senior vice president, Industry Relations, Denso International America, Inc. "Overall we have added more than 640 jobs in Tennessee, 425 in Michigan and 50 in California."
In Michigan, the company will invest approximately $10 millionand will add approximately 176 new jobs at Denso International America (DIAM) in Southfield, Mich. The investment will expand research and development of next generation technologies to improve fuel economy and safety.
The overall project includes laboratory and testing facilities to support the development of components for:
- Electric hybrid vehicles
- Gasoline direct injection systems
- High output alternators
- Infotainment and connectivity products
In Tennessee, the company will invest $55 million and add 130 positionsat Denso Manufacturing Athens Tennessee (DMAT) to expand its gasoline direct injection lines.
This is in addition to the $55 million investment and 130 new jobs that was announced last year to localize its gasoline direct injection lines, bringing the total investment to $105 million and 260 new jobs.
In Montgomery, Ala., the company will open a new shipping plant, named DENSO Manufacturing Michigan Alabama (DMMI-AL), resulting in at least 45 new positions. This investment will total $2.2 million
DMMI-AL will support the warehousing and shipping of Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) units and other parts for its North American customers. Start of operation is scheduled for April 2014.
Currently, in North America, the company employs more than 17,000 people at 32 consolidated companies and affiliates. Of these, 28 are manufacturing facilities located in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Denso'sNorth American consolidated sales totaling $6.8 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013
In the U.S. alone, Denso employs more than 11,000 people in California, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Iowa, Ohio, and Arkansas. Denso's North American consolidated sales totaling $6.8 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013.
