The YKK Group manufactured its first fastening product over 80 years ago. The company has since grown to become the world’s largest manufacturer of zippers and fastening products with 111 affiliated companies across 73 countries and regions.
YKK Asia Group, headquartered in Singapore, is YKK’s largest regional operation. The group has 26 affiliated companies across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, South Asia, Taiwan, South Korea and Oceania, with annual production of three billion zipper parts.
In addition to the fastening business, YKK Asia’s core operations also include the company’s Architectural Products (AP) business.
“YKK has a long history here in Singapore,” said YKK Asia President Kosuke Miimi. “Fifty years ago, our manufacturing operations were established in Singapore, and over the years, we have successfully expanded across the region.”
While YKK’s Singapore manufacturing operations have now closed, YKK Holding Asia was established in Singapore as the regional headquarters and is now YKK’s most important regional arm.
“One of our key business principles is ‘localization’ and Singapore is at the heart of YKK Asia,” said Miimi.
“Our success is based on our ability to recognize the needs of the local markets in which we operate, and Singapore plays a key role in our success as a company and the economic development of its Asian neighbors. Additionally, many of our key clients in the fashion industry are strategically located in the Asia region, which makes it easier to maintain our strong relationships.”
There are currently two research and development centers, and four development divisions within YKK Asia to ensure the group remains at the cutting edge of technology.
“Our industry changes rapidly and we seek to provide added-value to customers and local communities with our products and solutions,” concluded Miimi.
“We are driven by our desire to deliver quality products and innovative design — values we believe will benefit society for years to come.”