DENSO, a mobility supplier, announced that DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee Inc. (DMAT) has donated $9,000 to nine local high schools, giving each $1,000 to support their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.
As one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, DENSO strives to foster a work environment that prioritizes safety, collaboration and quality, according to company officials in a press release. Last year, as part of DMAT’s continuous efforts to improve metrics in those focus areas, the location launched a friendly competition among internal teams: based on how a team performed, DMAT would donate up to $1,000 to STEM programs at local high schools.
Every Team Stepped Up to the Plate
Each team hit their key metrics by the conclusion of the year-long competition this spring, and as a result, DMAT awarded the full donation amounts to the recipient schools on behalf of its employees. The recipient schools include:
- Lenoir City High School
- Meigs County High School
- McMinn Central High School
- McMinn County High School
- Polk County High School
- Sequoyah High School
- Sweetwater High School
- Tellico Plains High School
- Walker Valley High School
“This competition represents the best of DENSO—our teams working together to not only continuously improve, but also support the communities where we live and work,” said Steven Hayes, director of Manufacturing at DMAT. “We are grateful to channel the success of the project into a positive outcome for local schools and do our small part in contributing to technical education. These schools, and their STEM programs, are vital to preparing future innovators.”
DENSO Supports Local Causes
DENSO says that it is always looking for ways to give back to the places it calls home, including in and around Athens. DMAT is a supporter of the United Way of McMinn and Meigs County, The East Tennessee Japanese School, Adopt-A-School programs, and other local initiatives.
DMAT has produced powertrain parts and systems in Athens for more than 20 years. In October 2024, DENSO announced a $100 million expansion at the location that would enhance its ability to produce a wider range of solutions, such as DENSO’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) product.