SBS Zipper VS YKK: Comparing Pros and Cons

Although YKK has a much lengthier presence on the global market, SBS has grown over the past decade into a zipper powerhouse

 In recent years, the zipper market has become much more dynamic. The two biggest global zipper manufacturers have gone head-to-head, competing for dominance on the zipper market. SBS Zipper is a Chinese zipper manufacturer with 32 years of experience in the industry, over 380 authorized patents and a presence in over 80 countries and regions. YKK Zipper, on the other hand, is a Japanese zipper manufacturer that was founded in 1934 and has a strong market presence in 71 countries and regions around the world. Let's take a look at some more information about these two zipper giants and how they compare in terms of price and quality.

 SBS Zipper

 - A Chinese company that was founded in 1984

- Ranks first in China and second in the world for zipper production over the past 10 years

- Has over 380 authorized patents and applies for more than 100 each year

- Has established long-term cooperation with brands such as Adidas, Decathlon, Puma, Fila, JanSport, The North Face, etc.

- Heavily invests in research & development (R&D)

- Has 5 major production bases in Fujian, Shanghai, Tianjin, Dongguan and Chengdu, manufacturing zippers, zipper accessories, buttons, etc.

 YKK

 - A Japanese company that was established in 1934

- Employs over 40,000 people both in Japan and overseas

- Invests heavily in R&D

- Has developed an integrated production process, from materials to manufacturing facilities and products

- Produces zippers, snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners and a number of other products

- Has a long-lasting relationship with brands like Levi Strauss and Nike

Although YKK has been in the zipper business longer than its Chinese counterpart, SBS Zipper has grown considerably in the past decade and now presents a growing threat.

 Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of each zipper manufacturer.

 SBS Zipper PROS

 - Cost of Production: SBS Zipper can provide coil and plastic zippers at much lower rates while reaching the same product quality as its competitors.

- Scale of Production: Operating out of five major production bases throughout China,

SBS' scale of production has allowed it to become a top contender and a leading zipper producer on a global level, acquiring some of the most well-known fashion brands as clients.

- In-house R&D: By internalizing research and development, SBS becomes a top contender in terms of patents and innovation. This has been the key to its rapid growth on a global level.

 CONS

 - Global Presence: Although SBS has been present on the Chinese market for over 30 years, its global presence has surged only in the past decade. In other words, apart from manufacturing high-quality zippers, the company also has to work hard to prove itself to new clients.

- YKK Expansion in China: SBS towers the Chinese zipper market. However, in order to counter its dominance, YKK is expanding its market presence throughout China which is posing a threat to its absolute dominance.

 YKK PROS

 - Integrated Production: YKK not only manufactures zippers but also the machinery for zipper production. This speeds up the production process and makes innovation much easier.

- Tradition: YKK has been in the zipper business for over 80 years. Its reputation and name have allowed it to keep certain clients in luxury markets for decades.

- Specialization in High-End Zippers: Mid- to High-End zippers account for 80% of YKK's output. This has allowed it to become highly specialized in a niche segment of the market.

CONS

- Large Corporation: YKK is a large company that produces billions of zippers each year. Like all other large companies, however, it is much more difficult for it to adapt to changes in clients' needs and demands.

- Higher Costs of Production: As a Japanese company, YKK has much higher operation costs in certain segments of production than its Chinese counterparts. This is what makes YKK zippers more costly overall.

Overall, the zipper market is dominated by two zipper giants: SBS and YKK. Although YKK has a much lengthier presence on the global market, SBS has grown over the past decade into a zipper powerhouse. Its expanding production, investment into innovation and an overall lower cost of production makes SBS a true threat to YKK in the long-term. Apart from its dominance in the mid-range fashion market, SBS is also turning its attention to high-end producers where it will pose a direct threat to YKK. What is bound to happen in the future on the global zipper market remains to be seen.