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YKK AP America, based in Austell, Ga., is celebrating 30 years of commercial facade systems and residential doors and windows. YKK AP first entered the U.S. market with imported aluminum products in 1984. With an interest in establishing a more significant presence, YKK AP America Inc. was incorporated as an independent company on April 24, 1991.
YKK AP has grown from initially servicing the east coast to a national architectural products company today. It was the first company to launch an impact-resistant product line after Hurricane Andrew devastated southern states in 1992 and the first to bring products designed specifically to address energy and sustainability needs. Anticipating the needs of an evolving market, the company acquired high-performance facades manufacturer, Erie Architectural Products in 2019, to meet the growing demand for prefabricated, pre-assembled products to address today’s construction challenges. With this acquisition, YKK AP grew to over 1,300 employees in North America.
“It is truly an honor to commemorate this important milestone in our company’s history,” says Oliver Stepe, president of YKK AP America Inc. “Throughout the past 30 years, YKK AP has continued its success by staying true to its philosophy that ‘no one prospers without rendering benefit to others.’ We have sought to bring value to the architectural products industry every day by creating a business that treats its employees, customers, partners, and communities with respect and integrity. We are proud of our many successes, thankful for our supportive customers and partners, and we look forward to working together to frame the future of the built environment.”
This year also marks 30 years for six employees who were with the company when it was incorporated in 1991; another 15 employees have been with YKK AP since the plant commenced operations in 1992.
To commemorate the 30th-anniversary milestone, YKK AP has continued the theme of “Framing the Future” and will look back at pivotal moments that have shaped the company into what it is today and how it is poised to shape the future. Its customers and partners have also marked the occasion by offering their congratulations as part of this “Cheers to 30 Years” video.
