Planning, Research, Development, and Verification

The YKK AP R&D Center, Value Verification Center, and Partners Support Studio, all located in Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture, are responsible for the cycle of development, evaluation and verification, technical proposals, and information communication that form the foundation of YKK AP's monozukuri process. The YKK AP R&D Center is a center of technology and expertise which develops high-quality products. The Value Verification Center conducts "user verification" using consumer monitors and "field verification" that reproduces the natural environment. Finally, the Partners Support Studio presents proposals aimed at addressing the issues of professional users, based on our technology. Furthermore, the Central Testing Center Laboratory, a JNLA testing laboratory that meets international standards, reinforces our product quality assurance system through rigorous testing.

YKK AP has also strengthened its global research and development system. In addition to Japan, R&D centers have been established in Germany and Indonesia to conduct research and studies in different regions: Japan for warmer regions, Germany for colder regions, and Indonesia for hot and humid regions. Information specific to these different climates is compiled and shared to develop products optimally suited to each region. Additionally, YKK AP Technologies Lab (NA) in the U.S.A. has also established "xTech Lab (cross-tech lab)," a research & development center for the digital field.

At the YKK AP R&D Center (Germany), we investigate and research innovative European technology in the fields of energy conservation architecture and building materials, and promote high added-value in windows and doors through functional parts, thermal insulation of windows and doors, and frames and glass, etc.

At the YKK AP R&D Center (Indonesia), we conduct investigations, research, and development related to energy conserving construction methods and windows and doors suited to hot and humid regions, as well as research on passive design (the design of comfortable living environments that utilize natural energy). As part of a joint industry-government-academia research project on "energy-conserving multi-family residences for middle-income residents," we are measuring the effectiveness of using windows and entrance doors that provide effective ventilation.

At "xTech Lab," we conduct research and development relating to advanced digital technologies, and quickly incorporate the information gathered into the development of products and production lines.

The Technical Research Division is responsible for technology, research, and development from a global perspective. It is working on technology, research, and development for new technologies and new materials, including the development of recycling technology to achieve a 100% aluminum recycling rate and the development of organic materials to become carbon neutral. It is also striving to advance our technologies in existing areas, such as building technologies for ultra-high thermal insulation glass. To promote innovation, we are collaborating with 31 universities and research institutes and 14 companies to conduct research and development, drawing on leading examples from overseas, including material recycling technologies aimed at realizing a circular society.