Taking Control
of Comfort.


Taking Control
of Comfort.


Achieving the Perfect Mix.
We stop at nothing to deliver excellence in all we do. The perfect mix of innovative planning, manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement ensures each project meets stringent objectives. Our customers take comfort in knowing every project receives the benefit of DTS advanced manufacturing technology, diligent program management, and a relentless focus on quality.

Innovative
Planning


Manufacturing
Excellence


Continuous
Improvement


Our Mission


DTS believes that delivering automotive comfort and building customer confidence both begin with exceptional manufacturing. We develop and manufacture high quality climate control systems and components, employing a diverse workforce. We utilize state-of-the-art technology and proven manufacturing methods to produce automotive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. We are a leading minority-owned company in the automotive industry and are certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).


Our Purpose.


At DTS we want to prove that teamwork and passion for excellence lead to innovative solutions and winning outcomes.

Our Vision

To be the SUPPLIER OF CHOICE.

We want customers to think of our ability to find solutions to their concerns. DTS believes that delivering automotive comfort and building customer confidence both begin with exceptional manufacturing.



We comfort.

Our Values.

1
SAFETY
At Detroit Thermal Systems, safety is a top priority. We are committed to creating a safe, hazard free and healthy work environment. Every process we employ is based on industry best practices. Training of team members is continuous. If safety and operational results ever come into conflict, our employees and contractors have a responsibility to choose safety.


2
QUALITY & SERVICE EXCELLENCE
We take pride in providing products and services of the highest quality. We operate with the understanding there is no substitution for diligent preparation and thorough quality control. This ensures customer satisfaction, profitability and a strong future for our entire team.


3
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Our products and services deliver "best in class" value. We continuously improve and vigorously adapt processes to deliver manufacturing excellence and superior value. Today is never as good as tomorrow!


4
TEAMWORK
Our team members value collaboration, diversity and a sense of partnership, sharing and caring. Our project teams address challenges head-on with a passion to solve problems and achieve positive results.


  Our Leadership


Our Leadership

Vinnie Johnson

Piston Group
Founder, Chairman & CEO
Piston Group
For many people, being a perennial fan favorite with two NBA rings would mark the peak achievement of a lifetime. For Vinnie Johnson, it was just the beginning.

Following his success with the Detroit Pistons, Vinnie took on a new challenge by establishing Piston Automotive in 1995 as a means of creating economic vitality, jobs and opportunity in Detroit. The company quickly established itself as a supplier of choice for major international automotive companies, particularly Ford Motor Company and GM.

Today, Vinnie serves as the Piston Group’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, the Piston Group has expanded from a single facility in Detroit to multiple locations across the Midwest including Michigan, Ohio, Missouri and Kentucky. Mr. Johnson has led the company through successful joint ventures with industry leading firms such as Lear Corporation, Continental Teves and Sachs Automotive. He has also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the joint ventures JL Automotive LLC and PASA Modules, LLC.

In addition to his philanthropy and charity work, Mr. Johnson is a member of the Michigan Minority Business Development Council, and the Detroit Chamber of Commerce.

Bobby Nelon

President

Bobby Nelon is President of Detroit Thermal Systems (DTS). Bobby has been a staple at DTS for many years, serving in multiple capacities. Previously, he was Executive Vice President of Operations and was also a part of the original transfer team to coordinate the move of product and processes from ACH to DTS during the launch in 2013.

Prior to DTS, he was with Continental Automotive for 21 years, serving in Operations Management and Supply Chain Management roles.

Bobby holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Asheville.

  Our Commitments


Our Commitments

Quality Policy

DTS believes in the core principles of high-quality HVAC products, meeting and exceeding customer expectations, a safe working environment and continuous improvement. In addition, DTS is committed to world-class PPM levels and 100% on-time delivery.

View Policy as PDF

Environmental Policy

Detroit Thermal Systems is dedicated to protectng our environment through meeting or exceeding all applicable regulations by setting goals and objectives that minimize waste, prevent pollution and promote a proactive approach to environmental protection.

View Policy as PDF

Our Suppliers


Our commitment to quality excellence extends to our supply base. DTS suppliers deserve fair and equitable treatment, clear agreements and honest feedback on performance. We consider our suppliers’ needs in conducting all aspects of our business. The DTS supplier portal gives access to important documents, policies and procedures.

As a Piston Group Company, a leading minority-owned business, we recognize the importance of supplier diversity and are committed to creating opportunities with diverse suppliers. It is our mission to leave things better then when we found them, this means giving people better jobs, an opportunity for a better life, and as a business, it means finding the right partners to work with to better the communities that we live and work in.

PISTON GROUP DIVERSITY REGISTRATION FORM

These Terms apply when incorporated by reference in a Buyer Purchase Order or in other applicable documentation.

View Terms and Conditions

This Equipment Purchase Order Addendum applies when incorporated by reference in a Buyer PO or other applicable documentation.

View PO Addendum