YKK
The YKK Group (YKKグループ, Waikeikei Gurūpu) is a Japanese group of manufacturing companies. As the world's largest zipper manufacturer, YKK Group is most famous for making zippers. However it also manufactures other fastening products, architectural products, and industrial machinery.
YKK says to be the first zipper company to promote environmental protection measures. YKK developed a line of environmentally friendly zippers, following the company's philosophy "The Cycle of Goodness" which means that one prospers when the person renders benefit to others.
History
YKK was founded in 1934 by Tadao Yoshida in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. Originally known as Sanesu Shōkai (サンエス商会), it was renamed Yoshida Kōgyō-sho (吉田工業所) in 1938, Yoshida Kōgyō Kabushiki-gaisha (吉田工業株式会社) in 1945, and finally YKK in 1994. The name YKK was first registered as a trademark in 1946. The organization operates more than 123 affiliated companies in more than 70 countries representing some 270 plants and offices with some 37,000 employees.
American presence
YKK's first office opened in New York City in 1960 and now is the country's top supplier of zippers and other fastening devices such as snaps and buttons.
Today, the Macon, Georgia plant produces 1,500 styles of zippers in 427 standard colors for use on clothing and other items, such as tents or boat covers.
Company organization
YKK Fastening Products Group
YKK's fastening products operations are divided into the Slide Fastener, Snap Fastener and Button, and Textile and Plastic Products Divisions
Slide Fastener Division
Snap Fastener & Button Division
Maintains three basic principals:
1. High Quality Products: Our products use the best material, made on the most modern equipment and are mass produced under extremely severe quality control.
2. Dependable Attaching Machines: Using our highly efficient & specially designed attaching machines, the fasteners will be attached quickly and correctly. Our servicemen are on hand to maintain the machines in condition.
3. Appropriate Technical Advice: We will give you our experienced advice on attaching method, reinforcement and seam location etc. to see that the fasteners are applied to your garments properly.
Textile & Plastic Division
External links
- Template:En icon YKK Group Japanese homepage
- YKK America homepage
- YKK Fastening homepage
- Template:En icon The first patent for the 'Separable Fastener' the frontrunner for today zipper
- Ask Yahoo: What does the "YKK" on zippers stand for?