The move coincides with a function-based management restructuring that eliminates barriers between divisions, the company said. Taking the opportunities afforded by this relocation, the company said it "will further enhance its sense of unity and mobility, strive to reinforce the management foundation truly as the one team, manufacture products that customers are happy with and fulfill its social mission." The relocation also follows consolidation moves Toyo made in 2012 and 2013. In May 2012, the company dissolved the functions of its Tokyo headquarters and consolidated them into the Osaka headquarters. In November 2013, Toyo opened a Corporate Technology Center in Kawanishi, a community adjacent to Itami, for basic research and development. Toyo originally projected this move would be completed in 2015. The project was delayed because of the uncertainty caused by the scandals surrounding seismic rubber products contracts in 2015-16.