JUKI Corporation and YKK Corporation Co-Develop Automatic Machine for Sewing Zippers into Jeans Flies
JUKI Corporation (President: Akira Kiyohara; Head office: Tama-shi, Tokyo; hereinafter “JUKI”) and YKK Corporation (President: Hiroaki Otani; Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter “YKK”) have jointly developed an automatic machine for sewing zippers into the flies of jeans. The machine fuses the two companies’ technological know-how about sewing and fastening products.
Summary of the Joint Development
(1)Development of an automatic machine for sewing zippers into jeans flies and successful introduction of the machine at a client’s production site
In October 2018, a client’s jeans sewing factory adopted the newly-developed machine and production commenced. In combination with robotic sewing arms, automated fabric transfer systems, and other technologies, the factory achieved a streamlined process for zipper installation. Benefits of the streamlining include efficient automated sewing, enhanced productivity, consistent quality, and production that is dependent on neither human experience nor skills.
(2)Enhancement of the quality of customers’ products achieved through the proposal of total solutions
In addition to streamlining the process for sewing zippers onto jeans, YKK proposed a total solution that encompasses all aspects of manufacturing involving fastening products, including ordering and inventory control. JUKI, on the other hand, focused on overall improvement of the sewing lines’ productivity as well as that of the entire factory, proposing ways to achieve a “smart factory.” By collaboratively marketing these total solutions utilizing the technologies and knowledge of both companies, JUKI and YKK will strive to meet the needs of customers by resolving their challenges.
Since signing a joint-development agreement in January 2017, the two companies have been uniting their technological and service-offering capabilities. Through this collaboration, they will generate more synergistic effects and strengthen and expand their businesses, as well as contribute to the further development of the sewing industry.