YKK AP Breaks Ground on Phase II of Dublin Expansion

On April 19, 2007, on a beautiful sunny day in Dublin, Georgia, YKK AP America broke ground on Phase II of its $80 million plant expansion program. On the same occasion, it also held the official start-up of Phase I.

Consistent with the Company's philosophy of vertically integrating manufacturing to control quality, delivery and costs, the Company began Phase I in the first quarter of 2006. Phase I involved expanding the plant's square footage, add capacity in down-stream processes, and increase office space. By the year 2010 at project's conclusion, the expansion will have significantly increased manufacturing capacity and generated new jobs for Dublin and Laurens County.

First brought on line in October 1992, this state-of-the-art architectural products plant produces, fabricates, and ships aluminum building products throughout the United States to customers who use them in commercial buildings such as the Georgia Dome and Turner Field. In the Fall of 2001, the Company completed its first major expansion, and in January 2006, the Company began this even bigger expansion.

Said Greg Hultquist, Vice President of Manufacturing for YKK AP America, "Our products have been so well received in the marketplace that we had to expand just to keep up. The goal is to increase capacity and at the same time add manufacturing technologies to control costs and enhance quality. He went on to explain, "I am pleased to say that Phase I was completed on time in the first quarter of this year. Phase II will add additional floor space and new machinery in our profile and fabrication operations.

"Phase II construction began in April and will be completed by the middle of first quarter in 2008."

Max Mizota, President of YKK AP America added, "We estimate that by project completion in 2010, with continued support from our customers and employees, we will create a significant numbers of new jobs in Dublin. As of this date, at our YKK AP Corporate Headquarters office in Austell, our Atlanta Sales Branch, our Dublin manufacturing plant, and our new residential products facility in Macon, we employ more than 630 Georgians. Now, as we expand capacity and upgrade technology, we look forward to continuing to succeed and grow."

According to YKK Corporation of America President and CEO Alex Gregory, "Since we first came to Dublin to establish manufacturing in 1992, we have enjoyed great support from the State of Georgia and the local community. The leadership is forward-thinking, and the workforce is well-trained and eager. As we build our future, we will continue to count on the State's, Laurens County's, and the City of Dublin's involvement and support."