Sugatsune America designs precision hardware that controls motion – how doors open, close, and move through space. Known for high-performance hinges, dampers, and motion-control solutions, the company brings Japanese engineering principles to commercial and residential projects across the U.S. Ahead of New York Build, we spoke with Keith Au, Vice President of Sales, about usability, space efficiency, and why motion still matters in modern buildings. 

 

 

1. To start, can you tell us a bit about the business? 

Founded in 1930, Sugatsune engineers hardware with one guiding belief: details matter. Put simply, we design hardware that opens, closes, and stops with intention and precision. Since establishing Sugatsune America in 1982, we’ve introduced innovations to the U.S. like LAPCON soft-close technology in the mid-80s, as well as torque technologies and counterbalance systems that add more convenience to different motions.  

 

 

2. How do your products help designers, builders, and end users in commercial and residential projects? 

We help turn intent into experience.  For designers, our hardware expands what’s possible – allowing doors to open differently, panels to move more efficiently, or furniture to feel lighter and quieter.  For builders and manufacturers, our products are engineered to be consistent, durable and adjustable, which simplifies installation and long-term maintenance. And for end users, it’s about convenience and safety; doors that don’t slam, lids that open effortlessly and spaces that feel more comfortable. 

 

 

3. What trends are you seeing in hardware design right now? 

We see a shift towards hardware that does more while visually doing less. Clean aesthetics with a minimalistic look is driving this, but useability still leads the conversation.  With an increase in multi-family new builds and denser living, space efficiency is also moving to the forefront. People are looking for hardware that provides more functionality to increase storage and living areas.   

 

 

5. You’re exhibiting at New York Build this year. What can visitors expect to see or learn when they stop by the Sugatsune America stand? 

We believe that the only real way to truly appreciate our hardware is to use it yourself.  So, we design our tradeshow booths to incorporate real-world applications so visitors can have hands-on experience with our products while learning how they may be the right solution for projects they are working on. This year at NY Build, we will be launching a new Universal Design product that solves common pain-points  that builders, GCs and property owners face. A product you won’t want to miss.