#Japan #YKK AP #Namerikawa #Low-E Glass #Toyama Plant

YKK AP Launches a New Plant for Low-E Glass Production

In a significant development for energy-efficient building materials, YKK AP Corporation, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has announced the start of operations at its newly constructed production facility for Low-E glass, located at the Namerikawa Plant in Namerikawa City, Toyama Prefecture. This plant, named N3B, commenced operations on November 27, 2023, marking a pivotal step in enhancing the company’s manufacturing capabilities.

With the opening of this new plant, YKK AP has achieved a 150% increase in national production capacity for Low-E glass compared to previous figures. Low-E glass, short for Low-Emissivity glass, features a specialized metallic coating that reduces thermal transfer on its surface. This technological advancement makes it significantly superior to conventional glass in terms of insulation and heat rejection properties. Consequently, this glass plays a crucial role in enhancing the comfort of homes and buildings, promoting health, as well as contributing to energy conservation.

YKK AP is actively pursuing the development of high-insulation windows by combining insulated frames with Low-E glass, including the production of double and triple-glazed windows. Currently, over 90% of their glass offerings incorporate Low-E glass. This is particularly timely as there is a rising demand for high-performance glazing solutions in new constructions, renovations, and restorations of both residential and commercial buildings.

The new Low-E glass production line, situated within the N3B building, will fulfill the increasing market needs as the glass produced here will be processed further into double and triple-glazed units at adjacent facilities. These products will power the APW series, a new line of highly efficient windows aimed at both residential and commercial applications, ensuring a comprehensive in-house production process.

Transition of Production Facilities

With the launch of operations at the N3B building, the production of Low-E glass at the Toyama Fuchu factory has officially ceased. Now, Low-E glass will be manufactured at three key locations: the Namerikawa Plant, the Saitama Window Factory in Kuki City, Saitama, and the Hokkaido Factory in Ishikari City, Hokkaido. YKK AP's commitment to reinforcing its Low-E glass production capabilities aligns with its broader aim of promoting high-performance windows, thereby facilitating a transition towards healthier, more comfortable living environments alongside the goal of a decarbonized society.

Overview of the N3B Building

Key Features:

• - Building Name: Namerikawa Plant N3B
• - Structure: Steel frame (with some two-story sections)
• - Total Floor Area: 4,818 square meters
• - Facilities: Thin film coating line (sputtering line)
• - Production Capacity: 3 million square meters per year
• - Design/Construction: Designed and built by Kawada Construction Co., Ltd.
• - Investment Amount: 3.5 billion yen (including building and equipment)
• - Construction Timeline: December 2023 to June 2025

As the industry continues to evolve, YKK AP aims to set benchmarks in low-emission materials and apply sustainable practices within its production processes. The introduction of the N3B building signifies a robust investment in the future of energy-efficient construction materials.

The Namerikawa Plant is integral to YKK AP's operations, which have been headquartered in this region since April 1992. Serving as a vital manufacturing hub for not only a variety of glazing products but also components for high-rise buildings, this facility encompasses a total area of 667,317 square meters with an employee count of around 1,000.

By advancing its production methods and prioritizing eco-friendly materials, YKK AP is contributing to the greater goal of sustainable living and the continual improvement of building efficiencies, fostering an environment that values both human comfort and corporate responsibility.