DENSO associates ready to race
Date: 2001-06-29

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc. (DMMI) will meet the challenge for its second year at the 23rd Junior Achievement Grand Prix.

Two red and white race cars bearing the numbers 84 and 86, the years DMMI was established and began production, will be supported by two teams of DMMI associates. The associates were chosen to race the cars at an annual awards banquet honoring excellent associate suggestions. The two teams have dubbed themselves the “Supply Crib” and the “Team Heaters.”

Representing the Supply Crib in car 86 are Dave Case, Dan VanDyke, Dan Snow, Will Barnes, John Taylor, Debbie Boehmer, Rick Roberts, Richard Burton, Mark Thomason, Kathy Brown and Will Barnes under the supervision of Team Leader Brett Frazier. Racing in car 84 for the Team Heaters are John Gross, Ron Carpenter, Jay Finney, Lance Frayley, Dave Keathley, Loree Nash, Rhonda Hollman, Janie Williams and Team Leader Brady Smith. Associate John Howard is serving as pit crew chief for both teams.

“We participate in Junior Achievement because it’s a fun way to make a difference for young people,” said Stan Tooley, DMMIs senior vice president of corporate affairs.

DMMI began participation in the event last year but did not place. “This year is a special year for us so we’re hoping to take home the trophy,” Tooley said.

DMMI is celebrating the 15-year anniversary of opening operations in Battle Creek. The company, which manufactures automotive heating and cooling systems, opened in 1986 with 200 employees. It is now one of the largest employers in Battle Creek with 2,100 associates.

In North America, DENSO employs more than 13,000 people at 21 companies. Consolidated North American sales for 2000 are estimated at US$4.1 billion. DENSO Corporation is headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a leading global supplier of advanced technology, systems and components. Worldwide, the company employs 85,000 people in 27 countries and regions, including Japan. ###

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