Toyota New Zealand

Shape helps transform Toyota New Zealand’s workspaces

Toyota New Zealand’s Palmerston North offices underwent a project to seismic strengthening of the facility, which also allowed them to overhaul the existing office space simultaneously and bring it up to 100% NBS.

The company had previously used interior workspace solutions company Shape for small jobs, such as chair re-upholstering. In this instance, however, they decided to engage Shape for the upgrade of their furniture as well as to enhance the overall look and functionality of their space.

Toyota New Zealand building services, health and safety and property support manager at the time, Cherrie Linney, said Shape’s customer service delivery from Russell Fuller and his team was exceptional.

“The competing estimates were cheaper, but Russell was fantastic. I would highly recommend Shape on that basis alone,” Cherrie said.

Challenge:

Toyota NZ wanted to take advantage of their upcoming seismic strengthening work with a complete fit-out of their offices.

Including:
• Upgrading the cafeteria with new furniture and layout.
• Installing new tables in the training theatre and meeting rooms.
• Creating hot desk areas to accommodate flexible ways of working.
• Replacing more than 200 existing desks within an efficient configuration.

Solution:

Shape Furniture worked with Toyota New Zealand to design the layout and install the new furniture, focusing on creating a space that staff would enjoy occupying.

Cherrie said they relied heavily on Russell and his team to execute the project and were pleased with the outcome.

The new furniture included sit/stand desks, hot desking, and new tables and chairs in the cafeteria, theatre, and meeting rooms. The team also assisted with fabric choices, colour schemes, and acoustic treatments to create a functional and visually appealing space.

Result:

The project was successful, with the company going from traditional fixed desks to a modern, flexible working environment. While hot desking is nothing exceptional, the Shape team executed the project with minimal disruptions to the client’s daily operations.

Cherrie said she was impressed with the service provided by Shape Furniture and the level of detail and care put into the project.

Conclusion:

“Toyota New Zealand’s office refit and furniture upgrade project was successful due to the excellent project management and tailored solutions provided by Shape Furniture,” Cherrie said.

Shape’s Russell Fuller said Shape was able to provide specific solutions to Toyota’s needs within budget and create a modern, visually appealing, and functional working environment for its people.

“We did a full assessment of the site, including an environmental assessment, and provided solutions that cater to the company’s needs. The solutions were also modern, trendy and in keeping with their leadership status.”

“If you are a market leader, you want to look like a market leader and show you are successful at what you do. Toyota is certainly a market leader in every respect.”