YKK issues update following Japan’s devastation

Most of the 17,000 YKK Group employees inJapan are safe, and have survived the earthquake and tsunami that occurred off the northeast coast of Japan on March 11, according to a March 16 release. The company is quickly working to confirm the safety of all of its employees, including a number of second and third shift employees at the YKK AP Tohoku plant.

YKK's Fastening Group facilities in Tokyo were slightly damaged, resulting from cracks sustained in the walls and glass from the earthquake’s impact. All of YKK’s Fastening Group facilities remain operational, except for periods when production operations may be suspended due to required electricity rationing in the area.

The YKK Architectural Products facility in the Northeastern city of Tohoku experienced major damage to its machinery and equipment and operational activities were suspended on March 14 and 15. No reopening date has yet been determined. There was no damage to YKK AP’s large facility located in Kurobe or to other YKK AP facilities in the area.

Read the full release.