YKK Italia S.p.A. is the Italian subsidiary of the YKK® group, world leader in the production of closure accessories for clothing, leather goods, furniture, automotive and nautical.
Founded in 1968, it consists of the headquarters in Pero (MI), and various production units located throughout the area.
The Prarolo (VC) plant is active in the production of zippers while the Ascoli Piceno operating unit (YKK Mediterraneo) produces sliders, electroplating, small metal parts and snap buttons.
YKK® has always made use of the most advanced technologies which, together with precise and balanced management of all activities, allow all companies in the group to always achieve end customer satisfaction without neglecting respect and protection of environmental regulations.
Business divisions of YKK Italia
YKK Italia’s activity is mainly divided into four business divisions:
Zipper
(zippers and their complete components)
Textile and Plastic
(hook and loop tapes, cords, elastics, buckles, cord holders, loops)
Snap and Buttons
(jean buttons and rivets, press studs, eyelets, small metal parts in general)
FTS or Field Technical Service
(YKK® offers its customers a rental service of processing machines for the application or transformation of its products)
The Evolution of YKK Italy
Foundation of San-s Shokai in Tokyo
In 1934, Mr. Tadao Yoshida decided to produce a simple object, with great potential, which had fascinated him since he was a boy: the zipper.
Yoshida Fossanese Foundation in Prarolo (VC)
In 1959 YKK® began to expand outside of Japan, wherever there was a market and demand for locking systems. In Italy, the company YOSHIDA FOSSANESE was founded in 1968, in Prarolo in the Vercelli area, which later became YKK ITALIA S.p.A. in 1994.
Foundation of YKK Mediterraneo
In 1977, YKK Mediterraneo was founded, the factory dedicated to the production of sliders, pullers, small metal parts and snap buttons.
Tadao Yoshida receives the title of COMMENDATORE ORDINE AL MERITO DELLA REPUBBLICA ITALIANA
For having contributed to the economic development of the country, on 5 January 1982 Tadao Yoshida received the title of COMMENDATORE ORDINE AL MERITO DELLA REPUBBLICA ITALIANA.
Record number of pieces produced in the Prarolo (VC) plant, 220 MILLION
To respond to the great economic growth of the fashion sector, YKK ITALIA expands its factory in Prarolo (VC).
Tadahiro Yoshida succeeds his father and becomes President of YKK
In 1993 Tadahiro Yoshida succeeded his father, changed the name of the Group to YKK Corporation and introduced the MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLE "YKK pursues corporate value of higher content".
YKK Group Environmental Pledge
In September 1994, the YKK group began to engage in numerous activities to protect the environment by proclaiming and promoting the concept of "production in harmony with the environment" as a priority of its business activities.
Tadahiro Yoshida receives the title of COMMENDATORE ORDINE AL MERITO DELLA REPUBBLICA ITALIANA
For having contributed to the economic development of the country, on 8 April 1988 Tadahiro Yoshida received the title of COMMENDATORE ORDINE AL MERITO DELLA REPUBBLICA ITALIANA.
Delocalization phenomenon and opening of the first office commercial shop and showroom in Florence
Towards the first half of the 1990s, an important phenomenon of activities' relocation towards Asia, Eastern Europe and North Africa began in Italy. The company continues to produce in Italy, focusing on the luxury segment with the EXCELLA® series.
From 2013 to 2016 YKK opened 3 branches
Recognizing the importance of being a company close to local producers by providing them with greater flexibility and a rapid and efficient prototyping service, branches in Carpi, Florence and Naples were created - areas of fast fashion production.
YKK celebrates the 50th Anniversary of its foundation
In 2017, the year in which YKK Italia is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the company recorded record financial results with a turnover of over 89 million euros, up 10% compared to the previous year.
