Exploring the concept of "Inheritance and Evolution" through light and sound at the UK's Platt Brothers facility
Toyota UK's Historical Video Highlights Company's Evolution and Commitment to Innovation
Toyota Times readers now have exclusive access to a making-of video that offers a unique insight into Toyota's transformation journey. The video, titled "A Symbol of Change," was released by Toyota UK in December 2023 and filmed at the historic Platt Brothers location.
The video features a discussion between Agustin Martin, Head of UK Operations at Toyota, Stuart Sanders, UK Marketing Director during the film's production, and Toyota Director Sir Philip Craven. They delve into Toyota's history of transformation and challenge, symbolizing the company's commitment to carbon neutrality as the production of the video was powered almost entirely by green hydrogen.
Stuart Sanders emphasizes the ongoing relevance of Toyota's innovative spirit and burning flame for constant self-challenge and societal improvement, tracing it back to the company's origins. Agustin Martin emphasizes the importance of the "challenge" pillar in Toyota's culture, stating that it enabled the company to transition from loom manufacturing to automobile manufacturing.
The video creatively represents this evolution through the metaphor of weaving light and sound. It depicts Toyota's history, from looms to automobiles, and its transformation into a mobility company. Projection mapping is used to illustrate this journey, symbolizing the company's inheritance and evolution from its origins in loom manufacturing.
The Platt Bros company buildings and plant, located in the once-thriving textile hub of Oldham, closed their doors in 1982. However, the video's filming location played a pivotal role in Toyota's history. In 1929, Kiichiro Toyoda concluded a patent rights transfer for the Type G automatic loom with Platt Bros, an event that significantly shaped Toyota's history.
The making-of video complements the main film, providing additional insights into Toyota's history of transformation and challenge. It is available on multiple platforms, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), and comes with Japanese subtitles for Toyota Times readers. The colleagues involved in the making of the video have also provided new insights into Toyota's history, making this a must-watch for anyone interested in the company's journey.
With almost a century having passed since the patent agreement between Toyota and Platt Brothers, this video serves as a poignant reminder of Toyota's rich history and its commitment to innovation and evolution. Platt Bros was once a world-leading textile machinery manufacturer, and its influence can still be felt in Toyota's culture today.
[1] Source: Toyota UK press release, December 2023.
- The innovative spirit that fueled Toyota's transition from loom manufacturing to automobile manufacturing in the past is still highly relevant in current sectors such as industry, technology, and automotive, where the company continues to demonstrate commitment and challenge, particularly in the pursuit of carbon neutrality.
- As the production of "A Symbol of Change" was powered primarily by green hydrogen, Toyota's ongoing commitment to finance projects that prioritize sustainability is also evident in the transportation sector.
