DENSO payback is major boost to Blount economy
Originally published: November 19. 2009 3:01AMLast modified: November 18. 2009 11:20PM
As the traditional American holiday for giving thanks nears, many more Blount Countians can look forward to sitting down to turkey and dressing with special appreciation for their good fortune.
DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee recently announced its salaried workers will return to full pay in January after having to absorb a 5 percent salary cut early this year.
That comes on the heels of overtime hours on the rise at the Maryville plants -- a welcome change from the reduced workweeks of 32 hours, and later 36 hours, instituted earlier.
The reductions came as automobile production fell in the United States and around the world. The renewal comes as the auto industry restructures and consumers regain confidence.
The decision to restore lost income was matched in significance only by what did not happen.
When automobile parts orders tailed off at DMTN, the company responded. While cutting hours and pay, the company also excised waste and improved efficiency.
What did DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee not do? The company did not lay off employees.
With more than 2,500 associates at the plants in Blount County Industrial Park, the economic impact of the company on the region is difficult to overstate. Add to that number the family members of workers, the retailers where they shop, the service providers they frequent, the taxes they pay. The "cha-ching" of DENSO paychecks extends throughout community.
Blount County benefits in other ways as DENSO workers are encouraged to participate in civic initiatives -- particularly in education.
As we prepare to observe the quintessential American family celebration one week from today, it should be noted that Blount County is a better place because of sound manufacturing and business practices honed in the United States and abroad. Blount County's largest employer is based in Japan and has 120,000 employees working in 32 countries and regions.
The ability of DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee and its associates to rebound as economies around the world struggle to emerge from hard times is a symbol of hope. It can be done. It will be done.
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