DENSO Manufacturing Michigan Achieves Recognition as Veteran-Friendly Employer in Michigan

DENSO Manufacturing Michigan Earns Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly Employer Status

In a significant achievement, DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc. (DMMI), located in Battle Creek, has been acknowledged as a Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly Employer by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA). This prestigious designation marks DMMI as one of only 34 employers statewide to receive such honor, reflecting their dedication to creating an inclusive environment for those who have served in the military.

The Gold-Level certification represents the highest accolade awarded by the MVAA for employer support of veterans, which requires the completion of various initiatives designed to attract, support, and retain military personnel histories within the workforce. This includes a comprehensive benefits package tailored to veterans, differential pay, and dedicated onboarding and retention programs.

Currently, DMMI proudly employs over 120 individuals with military backgrounds, including veterans, reservists, and active-duty personnel, out of its total workforce of more than 2,000. This achievement is particularly celebrated by the employees, as stated by Jack Carlsen, a senior maintenance technician team leader at DMMI, who himself is a 24-year U.S. Navy veteran. He remarked, “This accolade is a testament to all our team does to support our people, including veterans.”

As a Gold-Level recognized employer, DMMI gains access to additional resources to enhance its outreach towards veterans, as well as opportunities to collaborate with other similar entities, further enriching their veteran support initiatives. Jack Carlsen emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating that it re-energizes their efforts to continuously improve in terms of attracting and serving the veteran community.

The MVAA operates with the mission to remove barriers to employment for veterans and recognizes organizations that excel in fostering inclusive work environments. Earlier this year, in February, DENSO’s other locations, including DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee, Inc. and DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc., received the designation of Veteran Ready Businesses, underscoring DENSO's commitment across its facilities to promote a veteran-inclusive culture.

For DENSO, fostering a culture that values quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement is paramount. Todd Greer, a vice president of manufacturing at DMMI, noted that these principles resonate significantly with military veterans. “We’re grateful for all they do to contribute to our teams and uphold our principles,” he added.

With a legacy in automotive manufacturing dating back over 40 years in Battle Creek, DENSO continues to innovate and adapt, striving to make its workplaces welcoming and inclusive not only for veterans but for all employees. The company emphasizes the creation of employee-led resource groups across North America, focusing on diversity, inclusion, and ensuring that every team member feels valued and respected.

Headquartered globally in Kariya, Japan, DENSO stands as a leader in mobility and advanced technology, producing components for vehicles worldwide while investing heavily in research and development. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion reflects their recognition of the unique perspectives that each individual brings, driving the company forward innovatively.

For those interested in joining a company that values the contributions of its team members, including veterans, DENSO invites applicants to explore career opportunities listed on their website.