GRANHOLM - Granholm: DENSO Will Expand Its North American Headquarters in Southfield

Japanese Automotive Supplier to Create 250 New Jobs, Invest $36 Million

LANSING – After meeting with DENSO Corporation President and CEO Koichi Fukaya at the company’s “D-Square” facility in Kariya City, Japan, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the company will expand its North American headquarters in Southfield. The $36 million expansion will create 250 new jobs by 2010.

“For nearly 40 years, DENSO and the state of Michigan have maintained a strong partnership that has meant thousands of good-paying jobs for our families and helped the company grow into one of the three largest automotive suppliers in the world,” Granholm said. “DENSO’s decision to expand its headquarters here strengthens that partnership and solidifies Michigan’s standing as the undisputed North American center of automotive research, design, and manufacturing.”

DENSO International America, Inc., the parent company for DENSO’s North American operations, oversees original automotive equipment sales, product engineering, and technical support for sales, finance, product market research, and North American expansion project support. The company plans to add 48,000 square feet to its technical center and purchase a neighboring 134,000-square-foot office building. The company expects to create 250 new jobs by 2010, all related to the expansion.

“Our business is growing, and we need to expand our facilities so that we can quickly respond to North American customers,” said Matt Matsushita, president and CEO of Southfield-based DENSO International America, Inc. “With the North American automotive industry centered in Michigan, it makes sense to expand our existing facility already situated close to those customers.”

DENSO is Michigan’s largest Japanese employer, with 4,500 individuals at four locations: DENSO International America in Southfield; DENSO Manufacturing Michigan in Battle Creek; Michigan Automotive Compressor, a joint venture with Toyota Industries Corp. in Parma; and ASMO Manufacturing in Battle Creek. DENSO’s investment in Michigan to date totals more than $1.3 billion.

A leading global supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems, and components, Japan-based DENSO Corporation employs 104,000 people in 31 countries and regions. In the Americas, DENSO employs more than 15,000 people at 33 locations.

Granholm’s meeting with DENSO is one of numerous sessions she will have with company leaders during a five-day investment mission to bring increased Japanese investment and create new jobs in Michigan.