DENSO Produces Bikes, Joy in Annual Build-a-Bike Donation Program

GUELPH, Ontario (Dec. 13, 2023) ― The team at DENSO’s thermal manufacturing facility in Guelph, Ontario, has come together to build and donate 42 bikes, helping local families give the gift of two wheeled-joy this holiday season. It is the team’s second largest single donation since launching the annual Build-a-Bike program in 2017.  

DENSO provided the bikes today to the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition (GNSC) in a ceremony that included GNSC and DENSO representatives, Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie, and Ward 6 Councillors Dominique O'Rourke and Ken Yee Chew. 

Through the program, DENSO employees each year team up to reinforce product quality principles and assemble the bikes, which GNSC matches with local families. This year’s batch includes bikes of various sizes, fitted for young children up to adults. Grand River Cycle inspected the bikes prior to delivery, certifying their quality and safety. 

“Build-a-Bike, and the collaboration it inspires, is a testament to our neighbours’ commitment to being there for each other,” said Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie. “I thank all involved for their contributions, which strengthen our Guelph community and help brighten the holidays for bike recipients.” 

"The DENSO Build-a-Bike program is a highlight for our organization every year,” said Brendan Johnson, executive director of GNSC. “These bikes from DENSO have made a huge difference in the lives of so many families in our community. This day is also a reminder of the caring community that we live in and how acts of kindness, even from people who you may never meet, can change your life." 

Member of Provincial Parliament Mike Schreiner said, “The DENSO Build-A-Bike program is a fantastic program that brings so much joy to kids across Guelph. And this year’s addition of adult bikes is sure to make a huge difference in the lives of many people. I’ve enjoyed seeing your good work in action in the past, and I’ll miss seeing the pride on your team’s faces today as you celebrate your wonderful gift to families in Guelph.” 

While DENSO paused Build-a-Bike in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, the Guelph team has now donated 197 bikes since 2017 with the completion of this year’s event.  

"As a manufacturer, we pride ourselves on making things, and this activity is a fun way for us to use those skills to benefit our community,” said John Klassen, president of the DENSO Guelph facility. “I’m grateful for our DENSO team, GNSC, Grand River Cycle and our local leaders who each year don’t just commit to make this effort a success, but show the good we can do when we work together.”  

At DENSO’s Guelph location, a team of 700 work together every day to produce leading thermal technologies for major automakers. They were recently recognized by Canada’s Top 100 Employers as one of the Waterloo Area’s Top employers, in part for their efforts to build a vibrant and inclusive culture and to support the community. 

The Guelph location is currently hiring for engineering, tool and die, production, maintenance and logistics roles.

For more info and to apply, go here.

About DENSO

Globally headquartered in Kariya, Japan, DENSO is a $47.9 billion leading mobility supplier that develops advanced technology and components for nearly every vehicle make and model on the road today. With manufacturing at its core, DENSO invests in around 200 facilities worldwide to produce cutting-edge electrification, powertrain, thermal and mobility electronics products, among others, that change how the world moves. For more information about DENSO’s operations worldwide, visit https://www.denso.com/global.