A Japanese investment that set down roots more than 50 years ago continues to pay dividends for middle Georgia and the broader state.
YKK AP America Inc. announced Tuesday that it would expand its footprint in the state to the tune of $125 million, hiring 100 more people and installing equipment at a newly constructed plant in Macon.
YKK AP is a subsidiary of YKK AP Inc. and a sister company of YKK Americas, the affiliated of the Japanese zipper giant that first set down roots in the state in the early 1970s, starting in Macon. YKK Corp. of America, based in Marietta, manages all YKK companies in the Western Hemisphere.
YKK AP America also operates its largest plant in Dublin, Ga., that opened in 1991 and focuses on commercial products like fenestration systems for facades. Macon has been home to the residential division, which primarily makes vinyl windows and doors for builders and homeowners, since it started in 2007.
Once it opens by the first quarter of 2024, goal is to make the new plant a showpiece for future facilities across the U.S. and Canada, with “vertical integration” that will consolidate vinyl extrusion, glass and window production in one location. The current workforce of about 250 people in Macon will move to the new plant upon completion.
“This investment builds toward our long-term vision to be the leader in the residential window and door market and positions us to expand our business in and beyond the Southeast region,” said YKK AP America Inc. President Oliver Stepe.
Across North America, YKK AP America employs 900 in Georgia. and another 300 at a Canadian subsidiary in Ontario.
The new facility will be located at Macon-Bibb I-75 Industrial Park. JE Dunn will will manage construction, while SSOE Group will serve as architects and engineers. Find more information about jobs at https://careers.ykkap.com.
