Chapter 4 History of DENSO Philippine

DENSO’s vision is simple: to be the number one business partner and automotive supplier for customers and OGCs (Overseas Group Companies) as one PH DENSO Group.

From its air conditioning and driving recognition systems to its automotive accessories – Philippine DENSO Group has remained faithful to its mission of creating a better world by providing high-quality, safe, and diverse products and services. This commitment is coupled with the group’s awareness that its operations produce a lasting impact on its associates, the community, and the environment. As such, Philippine DENSO makes it a point to create a healthy and sustainable bridge between business and people, as well as technology and the environment. This is the DENSO Way.

In 1991, DENSO Ten Philippines (TNPH), formerly Fujitsu Ten Corporation of the Philippines (Fujitsu Ten), started car audio production and started domestic sales of its products by 1995. In less than a year, the company has been awarded the ISO 9002 certificate.

In March 1995, DENSO Philippines Corporation (DNPH), formerly known as Philippine Auto Components Inc. (PAC), was established and began sales operation and started the meter cluster models and air conditioner manufacturing operation the following year.

Also, on October of the same year, Jeco Autoparts Philippines, Incorporated (JAPI) was established and has become the country’s leading manufacturer of automobile clocks.

1998 was a challenging time as the financial crisis gripped many East and Southeast Asian nations, and the Philippines was no exemption. DNPH was one of the many businesses affected by this economic setback. With the never give up mindset, instead of laying off its employees, it opted for a different route. It invested more in its people by re-training and upskilling them. Simultaneously, the company toiled on further improving its operations as part of its drive to comply with international standards. It was also during this year when the company received its ISO 14001 certification. and was similarly given the ASEAN Industrial Cooperation (AICO) certificate.

Bigger demands and challenges of the international and local market triggered DNPH to open the Design Center in October 1998. Design Center is made up of component design engineers who have direct communication with Japan with regards to drawings and design of products. Its objective is to provide designs and drawings that meet customer needs and satisfaction in terms of quality, accuracy and speedy delivery.

DENSO TEN Solutions (TNSP), formerly known as Fujitsu Ten Software Philippines Inc. (FTSP) was created in 1999 and started the development of embedded software and simulation tools of automotive equipment including electronic control, audio and multimedia products.

Still, in 1999, TNPH also received its ISO QS9000 certification, while JAPI received its ISO 9001 certification.

The PH DENSO Group entered the 21st century at its strongest and with a heap of development plans to expand its production and widen its market gap against competitors.

In 2002, DNPH officially greenlit its fuel pump module production (or the Simplified and Integrated Fuel Control) in the country. It was also when it received its ISO QS9000 certification.

In December 2003, JAPI has acquired certification for ISO14001. In the same year, TNPH added its Engine Electronic Control Unit (ECU) production.

The year 2004 was a year of achievements. To begin with, DNPH won DENSO President Award of Honor. In the same year, TNPH had been awarded the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Bronze Award during its Investors' Recognition Day while TNSP was given certification for the Quality Work for Capability Maturity Model Integration or CMMI which is the entry certification that recognizes a company’s commitment to learning about process improvement and career development improvement and career development.

Moving forward to 2005, DENSO Techno Philippines Inc. (DTPH) was established, and it immediately commenced the meter Engine Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Meter Inspection.

In the same year, TNSP launched CRAMAS Functional Development in the country. CRAMAS is a unique simulator that can target control systems in real-time.

This year was also full of prominent achievements and recognitions. DNPH again won DENSO President Award of Honor while TNPH received certification for TS16949 which is an ISO Technical Specification and the ISO14001 v2009 which mapped out the company’s framework for an effective environmental management system. To further improve its products and operations, as well as to point out areas of improvement, DTPH in 2006 commenced the ECU inspection for its air conditioner and navigation products.

DNPH and TNPH received their ISO/TS16949 certifications in 2007.

Meanwhile, DTPH started the long-term training of some of its employees in Japan. In the first year of the employee development program, six members were given the chance to learn more about the industry and the operation processes straight from the main headquarters in Kariya City. Powertrain Business was also acquired in 2007 to develop Toyota Static Inspection.

The year 2007 and 2008 was dedicated to beginning its Digital TV testing for TNSP. While the company was kept busy with its new endeavors, it still managed to start its Environmental Management System (EMS). TNPH, on the other hand, was granted the OHSAS 18001 in 2008.

More good news for DTPH in 2009 as it had been recognized as a CMMI Level 3 for Meter Operation. The recognition meant that the company was performing at a “defined” level, producing favorable results for its customers.
In 2009-2010, TNSP also started its Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) Development for its General Motors Project and Global Adaptive Value Network.

Moving on to 2011, DTPH made several big adjustments in its internal business and operations. The company expands in Ortigas, Pasig City, and a few months later, it officially kick started its thin-film transistor (TFT) business in the country.

TNSP also made major business maneuvers in 2011-2012, with the deployment of the Global Manufacturing Systems (GMS). Additionally, the company commenced the ACE-CDT Cost Half Development, as well as the Automotive Open System Architecture (AUTOSAR) development and implemented the HV Jisso Model in the country.

Beginning of 2011, TNSP started its Display Audio Platform Development. It was also deemed as an ISO/TS functional safety-compliant company.
More significant awards filled Fujitsu Ten’s shelf in 2012. It was also recognized as the Most Outstanding Business Establishment for 2012, as well as the Energy Efficiency Award from the Department of Energy.

2012 was also the time the registration of DNPH had been transferred to PEZA, enabling the company to enjoy several fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under the agency.

By 2013, DTPH added a new product to its catalog and started Air Bag ECU Business. At the same time, Powertrain Business expanded to Toyota Hand Coding and Non-Toyota DSL coding.

In 2014, DNPH started manufacturing for Sonar Sensor. Meanwhile, TNPH was recognized as a Child Labor Free Establishment. It was also awarded the Tripartite Certificate of Compliance with Labor Standards (TCCLS), which is the first level seal of good housekeeping issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office to enrolled establishments.

The year 2015 was another big year for PH DENSO.

DNPH got new business for GM; sub-assembly production for PEPS (SMART Key) while TNPH received its OHSAS 18001 certification. Moreover, the company had been awarded the Tripartite Certificate of Compliance with Labor Standards.

JAPI started manufacturing products for DENSO Europe, and at the same time began the production for TRP, Inc.

DNPH made a major change in its company’s identity in 2016 when it changed its name from Philippine Auto Components, Inc to DENSO Philippines Corporation. In the same year, JAPI started production for DENSO Turkey.

Meanwhile, TNPH achieved ISO 14001:2015 certification and won the PEZA Outstanding Community Project Award.

In 2017 TNSP officially changed its name from Fujitsu TEN Solutions Philippines to DENSO Ten Solutions Philippines Corporation (TNSP), following DENSO’s acquisition of the majority of the company’s shares.
At the same year, TNPH was given the IATF 16949:2016 certification.

DTPH was commended by the DNJP for the expansion of the Electronic Business of the Powertrain system Department and started the Integration Test Business for Non-Toyota DSL.

Moving forward to 2018, TNPH acquired certification to ISO 22301:2012. JAPI on the other hand began its production for DENSO Investment Co., Ltd. located in China.

In 2019, DNPH started outsourcing business for Engine ECU (Design Center) and started production for SMART Key Assembly for DAIHATSU and A/C Panel Assembly.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck the Philippine shores, the Philippine DENSO Group responded with both tenacity and flexibility.

For DNPH, to secure its safety and continued operations, the company prepared board and lodging for the associates to stay at the plant. To extend support to the community, the company produced customized personalized protection equipment (PPE; face shield) for hospital and government front liners.

To maintain its operations and save its employees, to guarantee business operation, and save its workforce, TNSP implemented a skeletal workforce on-site and work-from-home setup. JAPI and TNPH also did not stop their operation to support their customers.
DTPH, on the other hand, adapted to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic by implementing a work-from-home setup. In addition to this, the group also ensured the safety of their associates and their families by observing strict yet effective and efficient health protocols.

When the COVID-19 virus no longer posed a threat, the Philippine DENSO Group immediately worked to not only return to its normal activities, but to also strengthen its operations with diversity.

Our Commitment to Our Society

PH DENSO CSR: Helping the Environment and Communities

From the start, the Philippine DENSO (PH DN) Group has been clear about its goal of making a positive impact on society and nature. Its mission to contribute to a better world, has therefore, been a guiding principle in the development of products, systems, and campaigns that focus on two important things – the environment and people.

PH DN Group recognizes that its actions can have a deep and lasting effect on the planet. As such, PH DN Group has been investing significant amount of time and resources to create automobile innovations as well as operational practices that have minimal effect on the environment and society. Similarly, all companies engage in campaigns and activities that advocate for a cleaner and greener Philippines. Along with this, they also seek to empower people and help them create meaningful and transformative change. This is done through numerous projects that focus on the development of local communities.

PH DN Group has been consistent in its Environmental Responsibility. Each company’s Green and Clean campaign has been making rounds in various ecological communities, including Nuvali in Sta. Rosa Laguna, La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City, and Hinulugang Taktak in Antipolo, Rizal. Other eco-activities which include partnership with government are Fun Run for the Environment, Tree Planting, Pasig River Rehabilitation, Marine Turtles Rehabilitation, and Coastal and River Clean-up Drive. These environmental engagements, however, were temporarily interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But when the restrictions eased in 2022, the campaign made a comeback and again continued those activities.

Aside from its “green campaign”, PH DN Group also made it a point to incorporate its environmental mission into its day-to-day operation. This is evident when all companies gained its ISO 14001/ ISO145001/ ISO22301 certifications which ensured its efficient Environmental Management System. As part of its eco-activities, companies also conducted Hazardous Waste Donation of Used Oil and Used Lead Acid Batteries and Hazardous Waste Donation of Waste and Electric Electronic as part of its commitment to ethical production.
Alongside its goal to help Mother Earth, PH DN Group showed its Philanthropic Responsibility as it strives to pay it forward through various community service projects. Companies proceed own activities that directly contribute to the community where its business operates such as giving donations to schools (Brigada Eskwela), charity organizations (Bahay ni Maria, Caritas Manila, Children’s Joy Foundation), and even for basic needs during calamities (flood, earthquakes, volcanic eruption). To support the community’s health program, PH DN group also conduct regular Blood Donation, Medical and Dental Mission as well as Feeding Programs. Likewise, during COVID difficult times, PH DN Group initiated support by donating drinking water, face shields and protective gowns to hospitals and government agencies.

Also, the group has made a firm commitment to empower local communities and their people through education by conducting Safety Awareness for the Students, Road Safety Education, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Seminar.

Aside from each company CSR programs, PH DN Group gathered and decided to proceed CSR Collaboration Projects to have a bigger impact to society and environment. As initial step in February 2022, DNPH and TNPH launched their first activity together, the “Mangrove Planting” in Calatagan, Batangas. In March 2022, the group conducted the “Tree Planting Activity” as one PH DENSO to preserve the Malabanban Watershed in San Pablo City. This is followed by the big collaboration project this March 2023, the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Solar Lights being donated to a community without access to electricity using Renewable Energy. And lastly, in June 2023, DTPH, DNPH and TNPH conducted Tree Planting Activity.

With PH DN Group’s active contributions and efforts in protecting the environment and society, numerous awards and citations were received by related companies. The Philippine Government (Philippine Economic Zone Authority- PEZA), recognized the efforts of the group. DNPH received PEZA Outstanding Community Project Awards in 2018 and 2019. With that, DNPH was awarded as PEZA Community Hall of Fame Award in 2021. For TNPH, PEZA Outstanding Environmental Performance Awards were given in 2013 and 2020 and PEZA Environment Hall of Fame Award in 2021. In addition, TNPH received Outstanding Community Project Awards in 2016 and 2019 and PEZA Community Hall of Fame Award in 2022. Also, TNSP received Outstanding COVID-19 Response Award in 2021. Aside from the government awards, DNPH was very honored when DENSO Japan awarded the DENSO President Award of CARE in 2018.