Denso investment plan includes Michigan

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WOOD) - Global automotive supplier Denso is investing nearly $1 billion in North America during the next four years.

The plan calls for a $750 million investment and 1,200 jobs in the United States, including $150 million and 400 new jobs between two Michigan facilities -- a technical center in Southfield and a manufacturing plant in Battle Creek. The plan still needs approval from the state and local tax incentives.

The company will also invest in Tennessee, North Carolina, Iowa and California.

The Southfield center -- Denso's US headquarters -- focuses on research and development. The Battle Creek facility will produce the next generation of automotive thermal products.

The investment will allow Denso to better support its North American customers, as well as expand new business areas and localize products, many of which will help automakers meet upcoming fuel requirements, according to a news release on the company's website.

"Last year, we announced that Denso will drastically localize product in the regions in which we operate," said Terry Helgesen, senior vice president of industry relations at Denso International America, Inc. "Not only are we making products in North America, but we're also localizing critical tooling."

The investment represents an increase in research and development, an expansion in existing production lines, the creation of new production lines, and the opening a new assembly and warehouse facility to support its Heavy Duty customers.

In the future, Denso plans to make all of its critical manufacturing equipment in North America. The company has sourced several millions of dollars of business to American machine shops, which will positively impact the community and create additional jobs.

Denso Corporation, headquartered in Japan, is a leading global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electric, electronics and information and safety.

Currently, in North America, Denso employs more than 14,000 people at 28 consolidated companies and affiliates. Of these, 26 are manufacturing facilities located in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.