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- Company Introduction - President's Message
Windows are a form of culture and civilization.
The "AP" in our company name, YKK AP, is a standard worldwide abbreviation for "architectural products," -- industrial products that incorporate elements of art and technology that are essential to architecture. As a manufacturer of building materials that specializes in windows and doors, we are committed to helping improve the quality of architectural spaces.
In recent years, public attitudes have shifted away from viewing buildings as social assets. Instead, there has been a growing emphasis on reducing energy consumption and finding ways to create spaces that provide comfortable living all year round. Windows are key components in these endeavors because they play such a large role in keeping heat in or out of a building. The energy efficiency and comfort of a space depend to a large degree on the performance of windows.
YKK AP has branched out from the business of window and door frames to defining new relationships with windows in the window business. As a producer of "top-runner" (eco) window products, we pay close attention to features, performance, and design to bring additional value to consumers.
We are also a manufacturer of facade curtain walls for highrise buildings, a leading architectural industry. These pioneering technologies help to produce innovation in windows.
Windows change a space, which in turn results in architectural change. Windows also derive special features from region to region based on people's lifestyles. In this regard one can truly say that windows are a form of culture and civilization.
YKK AP will continue to help build abundance in society by paying close attention to the performance of windows and doors in architectural spaces.
Co-creating abundance as a quality manufacturer
The window industry in Japan is a growth industry. As with automobiles and electrical goods, tremendous progress has been made in the past 20 years in the performance and function of windows. Up to this point, people have not paid much attention to windows, considering them to be "something that comes with the house," but I feel that times are changing. People are learning the importance of windows in terms of the environment and saving energy, and consumers are now choosing windows for both new homes and home renovations. In the Western housing market, more existing homes are being purchased instead of new homes to conserve resources.
Window replacement is common in this market. In Japan, growth is forecasted for this type of market as well. For the window industry in particular, local service is a crucial element. We work with building material distributors around Japan to set up "MADO SHOP". These "MADO SHOP" serve as focal points for promoting the idea that by replacing windows it becomes possible to create a comfortable living space that is also environmentally friendly. Through this business we aim to bring improvements to both residences and urban development.
In our overseas business, we adhere to the basic practice of using what is manufactured locally in a country or region. It is important to us for our business to take root as a local industry in a country or region, so we work to build each business with exceptional care.
YKK AP takes on the challenge of creating new value in Japan and around the world with the firm belief that a new age is upon us. From this point forward, we aim to co-create with others a more abundant future as a manufacturer that pays close attention to quality.
