Sanden started development of compressors and heat exchangers in 1971, when the age of full-swing motorization was imminent in Japan, with a firm belief that air conditioning systems would become absolutely indispensable for cars.
Sanden has established a structure by which it can develop, manufacture, and distribute Automotive systems in four regions, in Japan + Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Europe.
Sanden now has a 25 percent of global market share for car air conditioning compressors.
Raymond Cheow is an engineer at Sanden International Singapore (SIS) and printed herein are his views of working in Sanden.
Raymond, what’s your job like?
I’ve been working at Sanden for the last 13 years and this is my first engineering job since I graduated.
It was my passion and interest for automobiles that inspired me to pursue Engineering studies in the University. I’m currently working in the car air-con compressor section.
It’s interesting to know how far car air-conditioning technology has progressed since the day I joined the company.
Presently, it is important to understand about fuel and energy management within the car air-conditioning system, because these meant higher efficiency and cooling performances in our tropical region.
How did you come to join the air-con compressors section?
In 1997, I was seconded to set-up the air-con compressor section with a fellow Japanese expatriate. Our initial support was from head office, Japan, ranging from R & D to raw materials evaluation. It was hard work, starting from scratch but it was an incredible sense of achievement for us today, especially when we have achieved many Total Quality Management (TQM) awards such as ISO 9000, QS9000, ISO16949 and the Deming award.
Our success is possible because we believe in fact-based analysis methods that are scientific and precise, gearing towards high-tech R & D, and setting high production quality standards for our car air-con compressors.
An integral part of our long-term plan is to enhance our R&D and Testing capability, to support our Development of New and Innovative products for all types of vehicles; both for the surrounding regions and new markets in the global world.
Sanden company principle - “Let us develop with wisdom and prosper in harmony" means that we should combine our intelligence with our developmental and pioneering abilities to ensure prosperity for all of us.
Can you tell me more about Sanden International (Singapore)?
Sanden International Singapore employs about 250 employees and we have 3 different Engineering sections in the company.
It’s a great working environment here as employees’ welfare is well taken care of. We were also one of the first few companies in Singapore to implement a flexi-work schedule where we can arrange our own working hours as long as we clock 44 hours every week.
Sanden International Singapore has a very family-based and team conscious working environment, and this enables employees with family commitments to achieve a good work-life balance as well.
Recreational activities are varied, with the set-up of clubs to encourage calories-burning exercise, healthy lifestyle living and friendship bonding between employees outside working hours.
Our company’s communication policy is a two-way channel, with open communication and honest feedback being highly encouraged between management and staff. This definitely helps to create a more efficient and effective working style.
As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility, we also provide financial support to needy students at local primary schools in our area.
