Toyota to consolidate marketing in Melbourne but agency arrangements stay the same
The marketing team at Toyota Australia is amongst those impacted by the announcement that the Japanese carmaker is consolidating its corporate functions in Melbourne.
The changes will see Sydney-based employees encouraged to move to Melbourne by late 2017 as the car company moves to becoming a national sales and distribution company in 2018 as it halts manufacturing locally.
“The intention is that the relocation will be aligned to the end of manufacturing and we will encourage our Sydney-based employees to move to Melbourne,” said Toyota Australia president Dave Buttner.
Toyota confirmed this would include the marketing team as well as confirming there will be no changes to current contracts with agencies, which will be “reviewed as and when they come up as per the usual process”.
Sydney-based Saatchi & Saatchi handles much of the creative work for Toyota, with OddfellowsDentsu also working on the account. According to Mumbrella’s sister publication The Source, the car brand also has Publicis Mojo working on special projects, with Soap Creative also on the roster.
The changes will see a significant reduction in corporate support roles.
Buttner said: “This year has been extremely tough for everyone at Toyota Australia. We understand that it is a difficult time for many of our employees and we are committed to supporting them during the transition period.
“These changes will provide us with the best opportunity to have a strong and sustainable base for the next fifty years and beyond.
“The decision to consolidate our corporate operations to Melbourne supports our long-term vision and will assist us in improving business efficiency, increase collaboration and reduce operating costs.
“The intention is that the relocation will be aligned to the end of manufacturing and we will encourage our Sydney-based employees to move to Melbourne.”
Toyota expects its workforce will reduce from 3,900 to around 1,300. This includes the loss of manufacturing and corporate jobs and the creation of some new roles.
Toyota’s head office will continue to be based in Port Melbourne.
Miranda Ward
Miranda Ward worked for Mumbrella from 2013 to 2017, eventually becoming deputy editor. Miranda joined Mumbrella in September 2013 from Sky News.
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Doesn’t “asking” employees to move from Sydney to Melbourne come under some section of employer discrimination? Cruel and unusual punishment?
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