YKK Group
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 claims 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.
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[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Canadian Presence
In 1968 YKK opened its first branch in the country that invented the zipper. Its Canadian headquaters are currently in Montreal, QC.
[edit] Company organization
YKK's fastening products operations are divided into the Slide Fastener, Snap Fastener and Button, and Textile and Plastic Products Divisions.
[edit] External links
- (English) YKK Corporation homepage
- YKK America homepage
- YKK Fastening homepage
- (English) The first patent for the 'Separable Fastener' the frontrunner for today zipper
- Ask Yahoo: What does the "YKK" on zippers stand for?
