CASE STUDY: DENSO - Delivering added values

4th October 2023

Manufacturing firm DENSO lives out its core values and it’s paying dividends for residents of Telford in many different ways.

Telford has long been synonymous with industrial endeavour and in DENSO it has cast iron proof that manufacturing is very much alive and well.

The Japanese firm is one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers and its successful Telford plant produces parts for many of the car industry’s leading brands. It continues to grow and innovate and the company currently employs around 750 people in a wide range of roles.

While DENSO is helping to build on the borough’s heritage, its investment within the locality since opening a factory in Hortonwood more than 30 years ago runs much deeper.

From supporting community road safety initiatives to leading Telford’s efforts to shape the future of sustainable and clean economic growth, DENSO has become engrained in the borough.

Phil Tomlinson, head of HR at DENSO, says it comes down to the company’s values.

‘Lots of businesses talk about corporate social responsibility and sometimes it’s a bit superficial. There’s sincerity in DENSO’s approach. There’s a genuine feeling from top to bottom that both the environment and community are important and should be protected.’

Far from questioning the value of community work, he says, the firm encourages its operations around the world to espouse those values by getting involved because it’s mutually beneficial.

One example is the Monozukuri Skills Promotion Centre based over two floors at the Telford plant. The Japanese term ‘monozukuri’ roughly translates as the pursuit of excellence through craftsmanship.

The centre gives everyone from apprentices to those on work experience an opportunity to try out a ‘DENSO experience’ that not only equips them with new skills – promoting STEM learning in the process – but also immerses them in the firm’s core values.

‘It’s a way to ensure everyone who works for us really understands our ethos,’ says Phil, who runs the centre. ‘We don’t expect everyone who comes to the centre to work for us. Some will come on one of our work experience courses and will take away skills – so its adding value either way.’

When you work in an industry that’s at the will of global market forces, it’s vital to take a long-term view rather than overreact to short-term shocks.

Chris Lindsay, sustainability and energy manager at DENSO, says that’s the approach the company takes to both business and the bigger picture.

He chairs Telford Sustainability and Energy Cluster (TSEC), which brings together businesses and other organisations to create a joined-up approach to delivering sustainable growth.

‘It’s about bringing people together, sharing best practice and dealing with the challenges we all face for the benefit of Telford. Collaboration is a key word for DENSO and through TSEC and things like the local bikeability scheme we’ve been able to work in partnership with the council and build a strong relationship through strategically aligned goals.’