SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Global automotive supplier DENSO is investing nearly $1 billion in North America over the next four years, which will result in more than 2,000 jobs across the region. The investment will allow DENSO to better support its North American customers, as well as expand new business areas and localize products, many of which will help automakers meet upcoming fuel requirements. More than $750 million will be invested in the United States alone, along with more than 1,200 jobs, according to DENSO.

"Last year, we announced that DENSO will drastically localize product in the regions in which we operate," said Terry Helgesen, senior vice president of industry relations at DENSO International America Inc. "Not only are we making products in North America, but we’re also localizing critical tooling."

Growth in the United States
In the U.S., DENSO is looking at investing more than $750 million in Michigan, Tennessee, Iowa, California and North Carolina. The investment represents an increase in research and development, an expansion in existing production lines, the creation of new production lines and the opening a new assembly and warehouse facility to support its heavy-duty customers.

Not only does the investment represent a localization of technology, but DENSO’s also investing in making more of its own manufacturing equipment and dies in the states. The company has dedicated a building at DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee in Maryville, Tenn., where proprietary machinery will be made. This will serve as the regional headquarters for manufacturing machinery and dies. However, DENSO says it will make machinery in other regional locations as well.

In the future, DENSO plans to make all of its critical manufacturing equipment in North America. The company has sourced several millions of dollars of business to American machine shops, which will positively impact the community and create additional jobs.

Currently, in North America, DENSO employs more than 14,000 people at 28 consolidated companies and affiliates. Of these, 26 are manufacturing facilities located in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. In the U.S. alone, DENSO employs more than 10,000 people in California, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Iowa, Ohio and Arkansas.

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