YKK AP's Value Creation

"Financial foundations supporting our business"

Despite the overall increase in operating income in FY2022, we will endeavor to improve profitability through continued price revisions and manufacturing cost reductions to address surging material prices and related issues. To realize our "Evolution 2030" vision, which aims to achieve net sales on the order of one trillion yen, we plan to allocate business resources first to information and other management infrastructure that forms the foundation of our corporate activities, and then to facilities and human resources. While keeping in mind business indicators and the growth rates of individual businesses, we will also continue to pursue capital efficiency.

"Forest Organization with a shared corporate philosophy"

Based on the idea of "autonomy and coexistence," we work to create systems and environments in which each and every employee can demonstrate their full potential. The goal is to create a "Forest Organization," a company in which every employee has a consciousness of being a manager, and grows strongly together as a group, like a forest that is made up of individual trees. To improve employee engagement, which is the source of value creation, we will pursue the design of systems and the development of a fulfilling and pleasant working environment that enable a diverse range of personnel to play an active role.

"Technology capabilities to support an integrated production system from raw material production to shipping and delivery"

YKK AP manufactures products using integrated production at domestic and overseas sites, and has established a manufacturing and supply system rooted in various countries and regions under the basic principle of manufacturing close to where demand is found. In addition, we are working to enhance our technological competitiveness through machinery engineering technology used to develop and manufacture production equipment for our products. We are also stepping up our efforts in DX promotion as well as research and development into AI, robotics and other technologies for realizing smart factories.

"Co-creation relationships based on trust and reliance with stakeholders"

We work with all stakeholders, including employees, customers, business partners, and local communities, to continue being a company that is trusted by the community and loved by society. We provide opportunities for various forms of dialogue and co-creation to improve our workplaces and operations, as well as the quality of our products. In addition, we are engaged in industry-government-academia-private sector partnership to develop recycling technologies and mechanisms for vinyl and aluminum materials.

"Creating environmental value at all stages of the lifecycle"

Aiming to leave a better society / environment for the next generation, we are taking on the challenge of creating new value and achieving zero environmental burden, through technical innovation. Along with the conservation and effective use of natural capital, we are working to create environmental value and solve environmental issues at all stages of the product lifecycle, from research and development to manufacturing, logistics, installation, use, and disposal. Under the "Evolution 2030" vision, YKK AP aims to reduce its own CO₂ emissions by 80% by FY2030 and by 100% by FY2040 (both relative to FY2013), and we will strengthen our efforts to achieve these goals.

"Creating technology through the challenge of solving social issues
Kurobe, YKK AP's technology headquarters"

Home to three technical facilities of the YKK AP R&D Center, the Value Verification Center, and the Partners Support Studio, Kurobe City in Toyama Prefecture is positioned as YKK AP's technology headquarters. R&D centers are also located in Germany and Indonesia to conduct research, development, and verification on a global basis. Furthermore, we are putting our efforts into strategic management and application of intellectual assets as well as training and development of employees, with the aim of improving our competitiveness and brand value through patent applications and ownership of patent rights.