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global, and make proposals that provide new value in various elds of application. Therefore, we established ve R&D centers in Japan, the United States, Italy, Taiwan and Indonesia complete with long-term research functions for fastening-related technologies, and set up product development of ces in 15 locations around the world to enable prompt response to customer requests. Each development base promotes initiatives that
match the local market. For example, in Europe and
the surrounding region, we are enhancing our efforts
to develop products for the luxury bag and high-end apparel markets. In North and Central America, we are focusing on the development of high-function products in collaboration with customers, particularly fastening products for automotive seats and the leased machinery for product installation. In China and Asia, we are concentrating on developing products with reasonable prices and variation to match fast fashion product lineups, as well as developing low-cost products to meet demand in emerging countries. Meanwhile, as the headquarters for global development, the R&D Center in Japan serves as a hub of all elemental technologies.
By implementing these one to one marketing and global marketing activities, YKK’s Fastening Products Business is using its technologies to generate customer value.
Making the World a Better Place with Technology- Oriented Value Creation
As aforesaid, the YKK Group’s Fastening Products
and Architectural Products divisions are based on the philosophy of “technology oriented value creation.” This involves more than just developing technology. It means supplying technology that bene ts the world. The YKK Group’s monozukuri (manufacturing) philosophy is rooted in the belief that integrated production where optimal materials and facilities are developed and created in-house ensures the highest standard of quality. This integrated production strategy has been followed particularly closely within the Fastening Products division, with YKK’s Machinery & Engineering Group developing materials and facilities as well as manufacturing mechanical components and supplying fastener manufacturing equipment to plants inside
and outside Japan. Elemental technologies needed for supplying manufacturing equipment are also developed in-house. Currently, the YKK group does not necessarily produce all of its materials and equipment in-house, but
rather makes a business decision to produce in-house when necessary to ensure competitiveness. However, a commitment to quality and the vision of integrated production necessary to achieve this commitment will continue to be passed down to future generations no matter how much times change.
At the heart of this technology oriented value creation stands the “Cycle of Goodness,” the business philosophy of Tadao Yoshida, YKK’s founder. The “Cycle of Goodness” is grounded in the belief that “no one prospers without rendering bene t to others.” An enterprise is an important member of society, and as such, it must coexist with other elements of society. Its value will be measured by the bene ts it shares with society. Tadao Yoshida carefully considered this need for mutual prosperity as he planned his business endeavors. He determined that contributions to society could best be achieved by the continual creation of value through innovative ideas and inventions. The resulting business expansion would bring prosperity
to consumers and trading partners, thus bene ting
all society. Tadao Yoshida called this the “Cycle of Goodness,” and he made this idea his fundamental philosophy of business. YKK retains this concept as its ongoing business philosophy.
Since establishing YKK in 1934, Tadao Yoshida devoted almost his entire life to monozukuri. As times changed from manual to mechanized labor, Yoshida was among the rst to automate the production of fasteners, but at the heart of his philosophy stood his strong conviction in making people’s physical and mental life more enriching. This conviction would develop into the “Cycle of Goodness,” his own unique management philosophy grounded in the belief that “no one prospers without rendering bene t to others,” which underpinned the YKK Group’s management skills and technical capabilities as it developed.
YKK celebrated its 80th anniversary in January 2014. Today, YKK stands committed to continuing to tackle challenges through our approach of technology oriented value creation in order to make the world a better place, and we continue to pass down the business philosophy of our founder, the “Cycle of Goodness.”
Author: Tadahiro Yoshida, Chairman & CEO, YKK Corporation
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