YKK AP Technologies Lab (NA) Incorporated

We entered the market with aluminum products made by YKK AP Japan in 1984 and opened a branch in Atlanta in 1986.

YKK AP America Inc. was incorporated on April 24, 1991. The company chose Dublin, GA as home for its manufacturing base.

We opened our manufacturing plant in Dublin, GA in September 1992. The facility is a vertically integrated operation with advanced technology for complete aluminum product manufacturing.

In 1996, we expanded the Dublin manufacturing facility by 100,000 square feet and opened a Cincinnati branch to serve the Midwest region.

In 1997, we were granted a patent for our impact-resistant ProTek® door assembly, pioneering water resistance in impact doors.

In 1998, we established the 'Sister Cities' relationship with Osaki, Japan, and supported community initiatives like the Dublin FIRST Robotics Competition.

In 1999, we released the first version of our Ycalc® estimating software to assist glazing contractors with design and fabrication.

In 2000, we received the Region 9 Existing Industry Award from the Georgia Economic Developers Association.

In 2002, we held the grand opening of our new fabrication plant in Dublin, GA, expanding capacity for commercial windows and doors.

Our Dublin manufacturing plant achieved ISO 14001 certification, emphasizing environmental standards and a 73% recycling rate.

In 2004, YKK AP achieved over $100 million in sales for the first time.

In 2005, we shipped our first vinyl windows to Quality Craft, Inc., marking our entry into the residential market.

In 2006, we broke ground on an $80M expansion of the Dublin plant and opened a Cincinnati branch to enhance local service.

YKK AP officially launched its residential division and began plans for a vinyl window manufacturing facility in Macon, GA.

In 2008, we launched the ThermaShade® Sun Control System, which won the IDEA design award in 2009.

In 2009, we launched enerGfacade®, an energy-efficient line of framing systems using patented technologies.

In 2010, we debuted the YKK Thermal Assistant software for system performance analysis.

In 2011, we demonstrated the strength of ProTek® impact-resistant glazing with a minor league pitcher at AIA New Orleans.

In 2013, we launched the first 'I am an Architect' video at AIA Denver, which gained over two million views.

We opened a new showroom, STUDIO 101, in our Atlanta HQ to showcase products and host training.

In July 2014, we opened a 105,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Coppell, Texas, serving the south central and western regions.

In 2015, we became the first in the fenestration industry with third-party certified environmental product declarations and launched the direct freight shipping program.

In 2016, Oliver Stepe was promoted to President of YKK AP America Inc., leading new initiatives and cultural changes.

In 2017, YKK AP recognized Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a paid holiday, supporting diversity and community efforts.

In 2018, Patrys was appointed as the company's first female vice president, focusing on organizational excellence.

In 2019, we opened a Midwest manufacturing center in Cincinnati and acquired Erie Architectural Products to expand our product offerings.

Various milestones that shaped the company's history, including product innovations and regional expansions, occurred in 2021.

Recent milestones and developments up to 2022, reflecting ongoing growth and innovation.

Latest milestones and achievements in 2023, continuing the company's legacy.

Projected or upcoming milestones for 2024 based on available information.

Future plans and strategic initiatives for 2025 and beyond.

Recognized with a 2025 Top Project Award from the Central Penn Business Journal, the center creates a welcoming place for the community to explore its history, share its stories and shape what comes next.