YKK AP America announced the expansion of its Engineering Center to the Western region. A new Engineering Center is now established at its Los Angeles Sales and Manufacturing Center, which services California, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.

The Engineering Center collaborates with architects and glazing contractors to bring their project visions to life. Focusing on product application, the team works closely with the customer to understand the project challenges and performance criteria, and modifies YKK AP systems to meet its specific needs. This early collaboration helps clients save money through value-engineering or modifying existing solutions to avoid costly custom solutions.

Yosuke Kikuchi, director of engineering for YKK AP America, will lead the expansion of YKK AP’s Engineering Center. Kikuchi has led the engineering center based in the organization’s Atlanta headquarters for more than 12 years. He has played an instrumental role in projects like the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering and JW Marriott Nashville. Kikuchi has relocated to YKK AP’s Los Angeles office to focus on this initiative.

“The Engineering Center is a true value-add to our customers, engaging glazing contractors and architects early in the construction process to shape their projects in the most creative, cost-effective manner,” said Mike Turner, president, YKK AP commercial business group. “Our team leverages its deep knowledge of our products and historical project expertise to best achieve the overall project vision.”

“Having worked hands-on with our customers for more than a decade, I’m particularly proud to expand and improve access to these meaningful engineering services. Our team is well-positioned to help our customers pursue and succeed on construction projects of every shape and size, and I look forward to leading the charge,” said Kikuchi.

To learn more about YKK AP America’s commercial facade systems and residential doors and windows, go to www.ykkap.com.