Atlanta, GA, - On January 1, 2009, Michael Blunt, former senior vice president of sales for YKK Inc. (YKK USA), became the fastening business leader for YKK's North and Central America (NCA) Region as well as president of the company's subsidiaries, YKK USA and Tape Craft Corporation.

Commenting on Blunt's new appointment, Alex Gregory, president and CEO of YKK Corporation of America (YCA) stated, "The position of fastening business leader is new and will play a significant role in our "One Company" initiative whereby we will approach our customers in various markets as "One Company" with a full array of fastening products and services.  Historically, we have described our business in terms of geography (Canada to Colombia) with fifteen companies spread out across the region.  We still have the geographic component and different companies, but all of those fastening companies now fall within Michael's area of responsibility."

Founded in Japan in 1934, YKK has been marketing zippers in the United States since 1960.  Today with a six-plant, state-of-the-art manufacturing center in Macon, Georgia, YKK USA produces millions of zippers per day for markets such as apparel, sporting goods, luggage, marine, automotive, the military, and more.  YKK USA also manufactures the machines to attach its zippers as well as hook and loop fastening tape systems and a full line of plastic buckles and notions.  Tape Craft manufactures and markets webbings and rigid narrow fabrics also for a wide range of markets.

YKK Corporation of America was established in 1987 as a holding company for the company's extensive operations in the Western Hemisphere.  From corporate headquarters in Marietta, Georgia, the YCA president and his staff coordinate the activities of some fifteen operating companies across five time zones from Canada, throughout the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, the United States, and even into northern South America.

In his YKK career, Blunt considers his greatest contributions to have been providing growth opportunities for employees through strong mentoring relationships, and he attributes his business success to YKK.  "Most of what I have learned about business, I've learned at YKK," states Blunt.  "For example, I've learned how to develop employee strengths and morale, to manage business effectively by establishing clear goals and objectives, to evaluate and increase the value of our customer relationships, and to take a long-term, practical yet progressive view of our business.  YKK is a great place to work and is very fortunate to have excellent employees whose potential allows for their full development.  This kind of scenario enables a win-win situation for everyone."

For further information, please contact Judith Crawford or Beth Whelchel at YKK Corporation of America, 770-261-6120.