DENSO, a leading mobility supplier, has completed a $4.4 million project with Energy Systems Group (ESG) to update and replace compressed air systems at its thermal manufacturing facility in Battle Creek, Michigan. Consumers Energy contributed more than $493,000 to the initiative, collaborating with DENSO to protect the planet.
The project represents DENSO's largest green investment in its North American operations this year to date.
The updates will allow the location – DENSO's first manufacturing site in the U.S., established in 1984 – to reduce its carbon output by 3,110 metric tons per year, equivalent to the amount of electricity used in more than 700 homes annually.
"To create a greener future, it requires the collaboration of many," said Todd Greer, vice president of Manufacturing at DENSO's Battle Creek facility. "That's why we are so appreciative of ESG and Consumers Energy's support. Together, we were able to harness our collective know-how for maximum sustainability impact. Activities like this are what drive us closer to our goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2035."
DENSO shared earlier this year it was working with Energy Systems Group to leverage the company's rich energy management and sustainable infrastructure expertise. The result is an updated, cost-effective and highly efficient compressed air system.
"When thinking about sustainability, improving the management of compressed air systems may not be the first solution that comes to mind," said ESG President Steve Craig. "But in a manufacturing environment, improvements in this area can significantly enhance an operation's eco-friendliness. We're proud to be part of DENSO's green journey."
Consumers Energy's support is the energy provider's latest collaboration with DENSO. In April 2023, DENSO's Battle Creek thermal facility joined the Consumers Energy Renewable Energy Program. This included agreeing to match the site's electricity use with wind and solar energy developed by Consumers Energy in Michigan, supporting the energy provider's Clean Energy Plan.
"We applaud DENSO and ESG for their commitment to contributing to a cleaner planet," said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy's vice president of customer experience. "Projects like these provide a clear example of how businesses can reduce costs and put people to work while making decisions that benefit the community and all of Michigan."
DENSO's sustainability focus in Battle Creek extends beyond its operations. In September 2023, the company announced with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer it was investing $63 million in the thermal facility to retool production lines and accommodate more products that support electrified vehicles.
The DENSO location is among the largest employers in Battle Creek, producing heating and cooling technology for thousands of vehicles built in North America. One in four vehicles manufactured in the U.S. contains a part produced at DENSO's Battle Creek location.
