1) Tell us about Danfoss? (location, number of employees, when it began, etc.)

Danfoss is a family-owned, global company. Net sales 2005: EUR 2,200 mill. 19,500 employees worldwide. Produces 250,000 items per day. We operate in more than 100 countries and hold more than 1800 patents on a wide range of products. Danfoss is a leader in development and production of mechanical and electronic products and controls. Our products help to heat and cool homes and office, refrigerate food and control production lines. In short, Danfoss contributes to the conveniences of modern life as well as to a safer and cleaner environment.

Danfoss North America Motion Controls develops, manufactures and markets variable frequency drives and gearmotors to the global market. The facility in Loves Park, Illinois, is the exclusive worldwide design, development, manufacturing and resource center for Danfoss variable frequency drives of 125 HP and higher. This division operates in Loves Park, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Somerset, NJ; and Mississauga, Canada and employees 400 employees of which 162 are employed in Illinois. Variable frequency drives control speed, torque, acceleration, synchronization, positioning and the overall performance of AC motors. Together with geared motors, variable speed drives make for unsurpassed efficiency and savings of energy and material.

2) What is the mission of your organization?

The Danfoss Mission

• We will produce and deliver products to the total satisfaction of our customers in global markets with a high degree of environmental consciousness
• We are a committed group of people with meaningful working lives
• We will globally promote the Danfoss culture while supporting and respecting local values
• We will seek to strengthen the societies in which we play an active role

3) Danfoss works diligently to effectively communicate with your employees. Tell us about your methods of communication, especially anything which you feel is unique.

• Employee Bulletin Boards
• HR Bulletin Boards
• Quarterly Newsletter – NAMC On the Move
• Danfoss Productivity Program Newsletter – Loves Park Loop
• Newsletters
• Activity Reports
• Global Quarterly Magazine
• Open Door Policy
• Quarterly All Company Meetings
• Monthly Operational Managers Meetings
• Quarterly Managers Meetings

4) Please provide specific ways in which Danfoss recognizes the value of employee input?

• Global Employee Perception Study (Survey)
• Co-worker Spotlight (Recognize co-workers achievements)
• Suggestion Box
• Lean Manufacturing Employee Suggestion

5) What initiatives and programs do you have in place to foster employee education, training and development? Danfoss strongly supports the work/life balance of your employees. Provide us with additional insight into Danfoss’ philosophy on work/life.

• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Flexible Work Hours
• Paid Time Off
• Holidays/Floating Holidays
• Bereavement Policy
• Annual Employee Development Dialogue
• Local training (on-site, customized, soft skills)
• Technical training
• Leadership training

6) How do you actively seek to create a positive, professional culture that values diversity?

• Equal Opportunity Employer
• Outstationing Program
• Diversity Training
• Affirmative Action Plan
• Diverse workforce – Hispanic, Hmong, African American, Chinese, Japanese

7) Describe your most creative approach to a Human Resource challenge that you face. Please explain why it is novel and how the program is working.

Wellness Program – annual on-site comprehensive wellness program. High participation rates. Satisfaction with the program. Increased utilization of the annual $500 preventive care benefit.

8) Tell us what makes Danfoss an employer of choice?

• Ethical
• Open
• Family Environment
• Clean, Safe, Ergonomic work sites
• Environmentally conscious
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Team based projects
• Global job opportunities
• Employees enjoy working with each other
• Goals and strategy are communicated
• Competitive benefits and compensation

Find out more about Danfoss