Japanese zipper maker YKK is to expand its apparel zipper plant in Bangladesh as part of its latest expansion plans.

The company said it has a rapidly growing export market on its hands, particualrly for processed products in European markets.

YKK established its first Bangladesh overseas plant in 2000 named YKK Bangladesh, in Dhaka. In 2002 Dhaka saw its first expansion, with the second phase of plant expansion in 2004.

Phase III will see the factory grow by 45% before 2015, said YKK. Sales goals from the plant are US$78m by 2015 and total investment in the expansion will be $27m over four years.