DENSO invests in Battle Creek, Mich., plant, receives grant for training

Global auto supplier DENSO is investing more than $37 million in machinery and equipment to expand automation at its DENSO Manufacturing Michigan Inc. (DMMI) facility in Battle Creek. The investment supports localization of component manufacturing for several customers.

The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) has awarded the company a performance-based grant for up to $687,500 to train current and future employees for higher-skilled jobs. The grant also provides funds for English as a second language (ESL) training with a manufacturing focus that DMMI will create and share with the community.

DMMI has created 300 lead associate positions, a new, skills-based production job designed to support its next-generation product manufacturing. MSF funding, combined with a $125,000 training and relocation incentive from Battle Creek Unlimited, will support both on-site training classes and formal instruction at Kellogg Community College. Lead associates receive more than 130 hours of formal instruction in addition to extensive on-the-job training.

DMMI is planning to hire 125 employees as a part of the investment and training initiative. A job fair to fill more than 60 open direct hire manufacturing and skilled trades positions will be held on Saturday, July 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Battle Creek facility. For more information, visit goo.gl/upq0Ag.