Global automotive supplier Denso plans to add 176 jobs and invest $10 million to expand its North American headquarters in Southfield, Mich.
The investment – which includes the purchase of an existing 81,000 square feet office building on its current campus – will increase its research and development capabilities in the area. The expansion is part of the company’s plan to create nearly 2,000 jobs and invest nearly $1 billion in North America throughout a four-year span. Of this, more than $750 million and 1,200 jobs 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 and industry relations for Denso International America, Inc. “Overall we have added more than 640 jobs in Tennessee, 425 in Michigan and 50 in California.”
In Michigan, Denso plans to invest approximately $10 million and add 176 new jobs at Denso International America in Southfield, Mich. The investment will expand research and development of next generation technologies to improve fuel economy and safety. Denso purchased a new building on Oak Hollow Drive. The overall project includes laboratory and testing facilities to support the development components for the following: Electric hybrid vehicles, gasoline direct injection systems, high output alternators and infotainment and connectivity products.
In Tennessee, Denso plans to invest approximately $55 million and add 130 positions at Denso Manufacturing in Athens, Tenn., to expand its gasoline direct injection lines. These additions that were announced last year bring the total investment to $105 million with 260 new jobs.
In Montgomery, Ala., Denso plans to invest approximately $2.2 million to open a new shipping plant called Denso Manufacturing Michigan Alabama, resulting in at least 45 new positions. The plant will support the warehousing and shipping of heating ventilation air conditioning units and other parts for its North American customers. The start of operation is scheduled for April.
