YKK’s “Cycle of Goodness” Comes Full Circle in Georgia
The “Cycle of Goodness: no one prospers without rendering benefit to others.” It’s not just YKK’s corporate philosophy, it’s how the manufacturer operates. From ramping up its production of fasteners for protective gear in the fight against COVID-19, to creating intercultural youth education opportunities, YKK’s North American entities contribute to communities where they are deeply rooted. And it’s no accident that those communities are in Georgia.
In Georgia, good business starts with good citizenship. The state’s “best in business” climate fosters a family feel that inspires its corporate citizens. With three companies headquartered in Georgia employing 1,500 Georgians, YKK is a shining example of a company and state partnership making a substantial impact on the home front.
YKK was one of Georgia’s earliest responders to the urgent need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) generated by the COVID-19 crisis, manufacturing airtight/watertight zippers for isolation chambers and Level B Hazmat suits for FEMA and the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, as well as hook and loop fasteners, plastic detachable clips, and plastic cord stoppers for face masks and face shields. While continuing to supply existing customers in the public safety and health care industries, YKK is also partnering with apparel, automotive and other industry customers now shifting production to meet medical industry needs.
This collaborative ingenuity dates to 1972, when then-Governor Jimmy Carter and YKK founder Tadao Yoshida bonded over business, community and southern hospitality, paving the way for Georgia’s position as the center of Japanese industry in the U.S. Southeast. Today, more than 600 Japanese-affiliated companies have invested $10.4 billion in Georgia and employ nearly 37,000 workers. Georgia also helped charter the Southeastern United States (SEUS) Japan Alliance, which promotes trade, investment and friendship between Japan and the Southeast.
Georgia governors have continued to support YKK. Company leaders recently welcomed Gov. Brian Kemp to the Macon plant to help launch Georgia Made™, a program through the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), which provides support in the logistics, manufacturing and marketing of Georgia products.
Georgia’s resources have helped YKK grow its presence from one building and 54 acres to 3.5 million square feet of manufacturing space on 510 acres. In addition, YKK Corporation of America in Marietta, parent to YKK’s North and Central America Group, oversees 11 companies in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Colombia. Georgia also hosts the national headquarters of YKK (U.S.A.) Inc. and YKK AP America Inc.
Jim Reed, president of YKK Corporation of America, cites the state’s logistics, workforce, business climate and community as benefits that help make Georgia “the ideal home for any company.”
“Georgia resources have allowed YKK to stake locations in the U.S., grow into one of YKK’s largest manufacturing locations worldwide and become a global leader in the fastening industry,” he states.
He applauds Georgia’s Quick Start workforce training program and steady influx of skilled professionals from Georgia colleges and universities, as well as the state’s logistics system that speeds PPE to the healthcare industry’s front lines.
“We’re situated by one interstate leading to the country’s fourth-largest deep seaport and another to the world’s busiest passenger airport. Our products can reach anywhere in the continental U.S. in four hours by air or five days by truck,” says Reed.
“We could not have grown to this magnitude without the support of local government, industrial authorities and chambers of commerce. Our ‘Cycle of Goodness’ philosophy has guided our giving back, through our support of The Carter Center, Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival and our sister city programs in Macon and Dublin. And YKK’s affiliation with the Georgia Made program emphasizes our commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing while signaling pride in our Georgia roots to our employees and communities.
“YKK is grateful to the early visionaries who pursued foreign investment in Georgia and is proud of our role in building the robust relationship enjoyed by Japan and Georgia today,” says Reed.
Consistently ranked the “#1 State for Business” for seven years running, Georgia’s skilled workforce, reliable infrastructure, low taxes, high state credit ratings and development resources are here to help you start and grow your business. Visit Georgia Made to take the next step in expanding your success.