YKK AP America Inc. announced the promotion of Jun Kobayashi to senior vice president of manufacturing headquarters, where he will lead enterprise-wide strategic manufacturing planning across both the commercial architectural products business and the residential windows and doors business. In this newly added role, Kobayashi’s responsibilities include long-term manufacturing planning with an emphasis on technological advancement to continuously strengthen product quality and delivery, employee safety and well-being, and decarbonization.
Kobayashi's responsibilities
Kobayashi will play a critical role in advancing YKK AP’s efforts to deliver its products through vertically integrated operations. His leadership supports the company’s growth plans, including the newly opened $125 million greenfield residential manufacturing facility in Macon, Georgia, and the Commercial Business West Coast branch and fabrication facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
A key focus of Kobayashi’s mandate will be advancing the company’s decarbonization goals, including a targeted 80% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions and a 30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030. These efforts are exemplified by the launch of BetterBillet™, YKK AP’s in-house produced, low-carbon aluminum billet, which underscores its commitment to responsible sourcing with business partners to create new value and high-performance products.
What people are saying
“Jun’s promotion reflects both his exceptional leadership and our commitment to developing internal talent and becoming the most advanced manufacturer in the industries and communities we serve,” says Oliver Stepe, president and CEO of YKK AP America. “This role is vital to aligning our manufacturing strategy with broader goals for innovation, customer service, and sustainability as we scale across North America.”
“I am honored to take on this expanded responsibility at such a pivotal time for YKK AP,” says Kobayashi. “As we pursue our long-term Evolution 2030 vision, my focus will be on creating smarter, more sustainable manufacturing systems that contribute to the global environment, deliver new value to our customers, and empower our people to grow and thrive. This is about building not only better quality products—but a better future.”
“From the Macon greenfield plant, to the expansion on the West Coast, to the decisions we make around material sourcing and responsible manufacturing practices, Kobayashi’s leadership will ensure that every investment is aligned with our larger purpose of building a better society through architectural products,” says Stepe.