Denso Center Focuses on Worker Technological Training

Mobility supplier Denso officially opens its $1.95 million North Technical Training Center at its Battle Creek, MI, facility.

Designed to be at the forefront of automated and data-rich manufacturing, also known as Industry 4.0, the center will act as a training hub for Denso technical talent. It is the company's third such center, along with the Central Technical Training Center in Tennessee and South Technical Training Center in Mexico.

Denso says in a news release it is committed to providing innovative, tech-forward training for its employees as the auto industry moves toward electrification and automated driving. The center will serve employees in technical fields, such as skilled trades, machine technology and engineering.

Specifically, employees at the North Technical Training Center will receive training in areas including high-speed video cameras, advanced robotics, programming automated manufacturing systems, precision assembly and alignment of mechanical components and systems, and machine-specific training for proprietary processes.

Employees identified for training will receive a customized plan to develop new technical skills, gain a new understanding of Internet of Things technologies and improve production efficiency – all of which are keys to boosting operational productivity and profitability, Denso says.

“When most of our workforce was in school, there was no such thing as IoT, automation or Industry 4.0,” says Kevin Carson, president of Denso’s thermal manufacturing facility in Battle Creek. “The automotive industry is drastically changing, and that means our machines and the technology that powers them must change.

“We are committed to supporting our employees and ensuring they have the resources necessary to stay nimble, learn new skills and flourish in their careers.”

Adds Kenichiro Ito, Denso senior executive officer and CEO of the company’s North American headquarters: “It’s a critical time in the auto industry, and we cannot revolutionize manufacturing and engineering without our people. That is why Denso is focused on introducing our employees to new technologies, providing cross-training for collaboration and developing skills that breed innovation.

“The talented workers who learn at the Technical Training Center will come out with new ways and creative ideas to change the world through manufacturing.”