3. Establishment of Tianjin DENSO Engine Electrical Products Co., Ltd.(TDS)
1. Establishment of joint venture
The predecessor of Tianjin DENSO Engine Electrical Products (TDS) was a cooperative company. It was founded in 1954.
In the 1990s, Chinese society entered the era of electrification. In December 1995, NIPPONDENSO (currently, DENSO) entered into a joint venture agreement with the state-owned Tianjin Engine Electrical Products Factory to establish Tianjin DENSO Engine Electrical Products, Co., Ltd. in order to expand its business in the Chinese market. It was NIPPONDENSO's second joint venture in mainland China, facilitating the development of its Chinese operations.
Tianjin DENSO Engine Electrical Products officially began operating in February 1996. Based in two factory areas in Hedong District, Jiudou and Maridou (site areas 6,431 m2 and 22,610 m2, respectively), it launched the development of alternators and starters for NIPPONDENSO in China. The company's opening ceremony was held on February 9 that year. Attendees included senior officials of the city government's related departments, Tianjin Automobile Industry Group executives, and NIPPONDENSO president Tsuneo Ishimaru, with participation from Toyota Tsusho and Toyota Motor Corporation. In October 1996, shareholder NIPPONDENSO Co., Ltd. changed its name to DENSO Corporation.
2. Sole capitalization
In July 2000, the divisions and plants of Tianjin Electric Automobile and Electric conducted a gradual and planned relocation to the Dongli Economic Development Area in Dongli District, Tianjin. A ceremony celebrating the new plant was held on December 19, and mass production of the P type starter started in 2002.
In 2004, China's automobile industry entered a period of growth. Amid changes in the policy environment and growth in the Chinese market, DENSO continued to promote its business in the China region. That April, Tianjin DENSO Engine Electrical Product Co., Ltd. capitalized independently and changed its name to Tianjin DENSO Engine Electrical Products, Co., Ltd (hereinafter, "TDS"). It invested aggressively in the production of strategic new alternator and starter products. The foundations of the business were steadily put in place under the united efforts of successive executives and employees.
TDS successfully introduced DENSO's advanced products, production technologies, and management methods through its process of "introduction, assimilation, absorption, and re-creation", investing aggressively in the production of its strategic new alternators and starters. The company took a great leap forward by drastically changing its model of corporate development. Production of strategic SC alternator products began in 2005, followed by phase 2 expansion of the plant in December 2007 and production of PA70 starters in 2008. Through the manufacture of these products, new technologies and skills were refined, and the "DENSO style" management method gradually spread. A spirit of manufacturing focused on quality and service became the common understanding throughout the company.
3. 10 years of sole capitalization, 20 million alternators achieved
On August 26, 2014, TDS held a ceremony to commemorate 10 years of sole capitalization. On the day, all 1,300 employees were invited to the solemn ceremony along with representatives of the Dongli Economic Development Area management committee, Murakami, president and Yamada, advisor of DENSO (China) Investment (hereinafter, "DICH"), Ishikawa, head of business unit of DENSO, and others. The ceremony opened with congratulatory remarks from the guest of honor and also featured a line-off ceremony for the 20 millionth alternator. In conjunction with the 10th anniversary of sole capitalization, a "surprise birthday party" was also held for employees who joined the company when it became independent. Finally, the TDS choir sang the "TDS 10th Anniversary Song", reminding everyone of each and every footprint left behind over the difficult years, and filling those present with supreme joy and emotion.
Since sole capitalization in 2004, and alongside the rapid spread of automobiles in China, TDS had grown exponentially throughout the decade, with sales roughly ten times greater and the number of employees more than triple. The current success of TDS was inseparable from the collective efforts of everyone in the company. It was also inseparable from the tremendous support and guidance received from DICH, DENSO, and others. Taking this ceremony as a new starting point, all employees resolved to do their upmost to build a company that could contribute to the local community and Global DENSO.
4. Electrification plant completed, 25th anniversary of TDS operations
In 2021, amidst the once-in-a-century transformation of the automotive industry, TDS began manufacturing new electrification products. Employees worked together preparing for the completion of a new plant by thoroughly refining our management and manufacturing foundations cultivated in the alternator and starter business, and we transferred our existing manufacturing capabilities, technologies, systems, and human resources to the new plant. Faced with various difficulties during the Covid-19 pandemic, but with tremendous support from the government, DNJP, DICH, and other related parties, construction of the electrification plant was successfully completed on May 13, 2021, and mass production of inverters began in July, marking a new step in the history of TDS.
A ceremony was held in October 2021 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the start of operations in 1996. We would like to express our gratitude once again to our customers, the government, the local community, and our former colleagues for their support and guidance. Thanks to the tireless improvements and efforts of all our employees and the support of their families, TDS has grown into one of the top 50 companies representing the Dongli District and contributing greatly to the economic development of Tianjin. The company has produced 63 million alternators and starters in the 25 years since its establishment, and is aiming for further growth as the mother factory for electrification products in China. We will continue to strive to be an indispensable company in China that our customers find reassuring, inspiring, and trustworthy.