| 1984 |
We entered the market with aluminum products made by YKK AP Japan in 1984. |
| 1986 |
opened a branch in Atlanta in 1986. |
| 1991-04-24 |
YKK AP America Inc. was incorporated on April 24, 1991. |
| 1992-09 |
We opened our manufacturing plant in Dublin, GA in September 1992. |
| 1995 |
In 1995, we launched a team known as the “Project Center,” which was dedicated to supporting medium to large-scale projects. Today, the Project Center takes on larger projects with unique challenges, providing value-added services such as estimating, engineering and project management. |
| 1996 |
In 1996, we opened the doors to our Cincinnati branch, the sixth of our satellite locations. This continued our commitment to provide strong local service and support our communities. Today, we have ten branches that serve architects and customers from coast-to-coast. In this year, we also expanded the Dublin manufacturing facility by 100,000 square feet. |
| 1997 |
In 1997, we were granted a patent on our top-selling ProTek® entrance design for its ability to effectively resist water as part of an integrated framing system; this design was pivotal in ProTek’s® rise as a top impact-resistant solution in the market today. We have continued to innovate, collecting several patents, including features of our StyleView® residential window sash and commercial aluminum ThermaShade® Sunshades. |
| 1998 |
In 1998, we worked with the City of Dublin, GA to establish the “Sister Cities” relationship and annual student exchange program between Dublin and Osaki Japan, a program that is still active today. This is one of several programs and community initiatives in which we lend our support, including the Dublin FIRST Robotics Competition, local river clean ups, AEC Cares and hometown AIA initiatives. |
| 1999 |
In 1999, we released the first version of our Ycalc® estimating software. Since then, the tool has progressed into what is known today as Ycalc® X5 powered by Logikal®. YCalc® X5 helps glazing contractors with preliminary structural design, shop drawings, material optimization/take-offs, and fabrication utilities. |
| 2008 |
2008 marked the launch of the ThermaShade® Sun Control system, which has since won numerous awards including the IDEA design award in 2009. ThermaShade integrates with our most popular wall systems and offers countless design options. One key selling point of ThermaShade is the ease-of-installation with a hanger bolt and slotted receptor design. |
| 2009 |
In 2009, we became the first manufacturer in the industry to launch an energy-efficient line of framing systems under the brand name enerGfacade. enerGfacade systems use patented technologies to offer advanced thermal performance that meet evolving building code and green standards. |
| 2010 |
In 2010, we debuted our thermal performance calculator, myThermalAssistant. This tool enables building professionals to calculate the energy saving performance metrics of YKK AP products with project-specific glass packages using the AAMA 507 standard based on NFRC methods. This launch represented the first time users were able to calculate overall façade U-factors in seconds. |
| 2011 |
In 2011, we got creative at AIA New Orleans by teaming up with New Orleans Baby Cakes’ (then known as the Zephyrs) starting pitcher Trey Shields to demo the strength of its ProTek® line of impact resistant glazing systems. Shields took his best shot, throwing several pitches at the window system at an estimated 80 mph to illustrate the impact-resistant qualities of our products. |
| 2013 |
In 2013, at AIA Denver, we debuted the first “I am an Architect” video – a parody about the challenges an architect typically faces in daily life. The fun video starred “architects” Brady and Mosby who have amassed their own fans as the series spawned another six videos. Today the video series has two million views and was the foundation for building an AEC Facebook community of over 64 thousand people. |
| 2014-07 |
In July 2014, we opened the doors to our first regional manufacturing facility in Coppell, Texas. The 105,000 square foot facility was pivotal in increasing local production capability and allowing for expanded finished goods inventory. The facility now serves as a key supply and distribution center, providing services to the entire south central and western regions. |
| 2018 |
Michelle Pearson Becomes First Female to Win President’s Award |
| 2019 |
Tim Thomas, formerly SVP of sales operations, was promoted to President of Erie Architectural Products. In this position, he will leverage his more than 38 years in the glass and glazing industry to lead Erie AP into its next phase of growth. |
| 2019 |
We opened a new showroom—later dubbed STUDIO 101, in our downtown Atlanta HQ facility, offering customers and architects the opportunity to view, demo and learn about our residential and commercial products. This location also houses corporate staff, engineering and a training center. |
| 2019 |
Our second regional manufacturing center in Cincinnati, Ohio was opened in 2019 to improve the company’s service capabilities for customers in the Midwest region. The over 100,000 square foot space enabled us to increase YKK AP’s local production capabilities and allow for more finished goods inventory. |
| 2019 |
In 2019, we made the strategic move to acquire high-performance facades solution provider, Erie Architectural Products in effort to grow our offering for prefabricated, pre-assembled products. By bringing Erie AP under the YKK AP umbrella, we made a progressive move to meet a growing market demand for unitized products while helping to enhance Erie AP’s position and reach in the market. |
| 2021 |
The 400,000-square-foot, purpose-built greenfield facility manufactures residential windows and doors for homebuilders and homeowners throughout the Southeast. By integrating vinyl extrusion, fabrication, and glazing under one roof, the facility improves operational efficiency and capacity through a strategic layout and investment in new equipment. Designed with employees in mind, the facility also features climate control, increased natural light, and outdoor amenities including a walking trail and basketball/pickleball court. |
| 2022 |
To support growing demand in the Western U.S., YKK AP invested in expanded resources and personnel, establishing the Los Angeles Sales and Manufacturing Center in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The location also added engineering support to enhance regional service and responsiveness. |
| 2023 |
YKK AP Introduces BetterBillet™, a proprietary aluminum billet made from recycled scrap and low-carbon primary aluminum, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability. Produced in-house to ensure color consistency and material strength, BetterBillet is integrated into the majority of YKK AP’s commercial products. |
| 2024 |
BetterBillet eco-friendly metal recycling with Made in USA label. |
| 2025 |
BetterBillet eco-friendly metal recycling with Made in USA label. |
