Hasbro Continues Layoffs in Rhode Island
Monday, May 6th, 2013 7:20PM CDT
Category: Company NewsPosted by: LOST Cybertronian Views: 24,069
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Several fan-favorite Hasbro employees who have been regular convention participants, such as Aaron Archer, are among the rumored list of employees laid off. We are looking for further confirmation on which employees from the Transformers brand were let go and will report on this information as it becomes publicly known. Seibertron.com wishes everyone the best of luck with their new endeavors during these challenging times.
Golocalprov.com wrote:Hasbro said that fourth-quarter 2012 profits dropped because of lower than anticipated demand in the U.S. and Canada and slow sales of games and puzzles during the holiday shopping season. In a February 2013 interview with Examiner.com, CEO Goldner said, “In 2012, we met many of the objectives we set for Hasbro. Based on preliminary results, we returned the U.S. and Canada segment to historical operating profit levels; we grew revenues in the Games category against our 2012 objective of stabilizing revenues; and we grew revenues in our Girls category. We also experienced double digit growth in our emerging markets business and achieved profitability in most major emerging markets a year ahead of our plan.
Golocalprov.com wrote:According to Hasbro’s report on growth for 1st quarter, 2013 released on April 22nd, 2013, net revenues increased 2% to $663.7 million for the first quarter of 2013 versus $648.9 million for the 1st quarter 2012. The US and Canada segment is up 4%. The international segment remained flat. The entertainment and licensing segment is up 5%. Much of this has been attributed to “cost saving initiatives.” The company is undertaking said initiatives to better align resources and costs while targeting $100 million in annual savings by 2015.
In spite of recent upticks in revenues, layoffs have continued; a sign that restructuring continues. However, according to URI Economics Professor, Leonard Lardaro, “… as a publicly traded company, they will often have to respond to things well beyond whatever deals they might have with the state of RI.
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Posted by Bumblevivisector on May 6th, 2013 @ 7:25pm CDT
I wonder how this news ties into their pushing more stuff into discount stores?
Posted by Doubledealer93 on May 6th, 2013 @ 8:21pm CDT
Posted by DEMEXICONZ on May 6th, 2013 @ 8:36pm CDT
Bumblevivisector wrote:Ouch, apparently they do hurt whenever they have to go more than 2 years without a TF movie.
I wonder how this news ties into their pushing more stuff into discount stores?
Makes sence no wonder they keep making low quality toys at a more expensive price.... makes me wonder wtf is hasbro doing wrong?
Posted by Mkall on May 6th, 2013 @ 8:51pm CDT
Posted by wewyllenium on May 6th, 2013 @ 9:52pm CDT
Posted by Lord_Onslaught on May 7th, 2013 @ 3:16am CDT
I really hope this does not effect the release of Titan Metroplex. Hopefully he is too far into production, to be canceled. But then Hasbro did cancel HA Soundwave, as he was sitting in the backrooms of retailers.
Posted by Blackstreak on May 7th, 2013 @ 8:02am CDT
Doubledealer93 wrote:yeah, people do love bumblebee that much honest! *sarcasm*
I agree. Maybe if they started producing more characters instead of the same one if 50 versions they might get more profit. Profit they are still making but willing to lay people off to make that profit margin larger. I feel for those people who lost and are about to lose their job.
Posted by triKlops on May 7th, 2013 @ 11:13am CDT
Hopefully they stand by their previous promise of a hiring increase in 2013/14, as this is just another blow to an an already crippled local infrastructure.
Posted by Antron on May 7th, 2013 @ 12:00pm CDT
If they don't make a ton of new characters or completely reformat the characters that exist then they will just be wasting a bunch more time and money. I personally couldn't be less excited for new movie toys. If I ever have to start whacking figures from my collection, movieverse will be the first to go.
So, here's to hoping. Fingers crossed. We'll just have to wait and see.
Posted by ScottyP on May 8th, 2013 @ 10:30am CDT
Posted by Flux Convoy on May 8th, 2013 @ 3:03pm CDT
Posted by Lord_Onslaught on May 8th, 2013 @ 6:09pm CDT
Flux Convoy wrote:Really hoping they didn't cut Archer loose. He's a very creative guy who gave us some fantastic stuff over the years he's been heading the TF division. Even if you don't love what he comes up with, he was excited about what he was doing. Anyone that wants him gone is making an ignorant statement. The guy had to wear a lot of different hats. Transformers isn't one driving line like G1 was. It probably won't ever be again. You've got to respect a guy that can juggle all the different lines and be man enough to face our endless barrage of criticism and self entitlement every year at Botcon. I'm hoping he's still around and will be for a long time to come.
And we all have the right to our opinion Flux, I respect those that think Archer should stay. But to me, he needs to go is hardly an ignorant statement. My reasons would start a flame war, this I know so I will not say what they are.
It has nothing to do with G1 being one driving line, and the constant reimagining of Transformers. Which is something I like as it helps to keep Transformers fresh.
Posted by Flux Convoy on May 8th, 2013 @ 6:37pm CDT
Lord_Onslaught wrote:And we all have the right to our opinion Flux, I respect those that think Archer should stay. But to me, he needs to go is hardly an ignorant statement. My reasons would start a flame war, this I know so I will not say what they are.
It has nothing to do with G1 being one driving line, and the constant reimagining of Transformers. Which is something I like as it helps to keep Transformers fresh.
You absolutely do a right to your opinion. Why would you even make such a statement if you won't elaborate though? Surely there's a reason you have such an opinion.
Posted by Lord_Onslaught on May 9th, 2013 @ 1:46pm CDT
Flux Convoy wrote:You absolutely do a right to your opinion. Why would you even make such a statement if you won't elaborate though? Surely there's a reason you have such an opinion.
Like I said there are many, and if I started to name them, this place would erupt, simply because two of those reason come from meeting him after OTFCC 2004 and Botcon 2008. Also based off of his horrible designs, and ideas. Even for those of you who like him, I'm sure there is a want for fresh blood in the TF Department at Hasbro.
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on May 9th, 2013 @ 2:13pm CDT
Lord_Onslaught wrote:Flux Convoy wrote:You absolutely do a right to your opinion. Why would you even make such a statement if you won't elaborate though? Surely there's a reason you have such an opinion.
Like I said there are many, and if I started to name them, this place would erupt, simply because two of those reason come from meeting him after OTFCC 2004 and Botcon 2008. Also based off of his horrible designs, and ideas. Even for those of you who like him, I'm sure there is a want for fresh blood in the TF Department at Hasbro.
Guys, it's official: "Orson" has left the building. Check Facebook. Or ask Sabrblade.
Posted by Flux Convoy on May 9th, 2013 @ 3:59pm CDT
Lord_Onslaught wrote:Like I said there are many, and if I started to name them, this place would erupt, simply because two of those reason come from meeting him after OTFCC 2004 and Botcon 2008. Also based off of his horrible designs, and ideas. Even for those of you who like him, I'm sure there is a want for fresh blood in the TF Department at Hasbro.
So it's personal then? Again, unless you elaborate, you aren't justifying an opinion. Saying his designs are horrible grants you no legitimate credit in this discussion. You realize he's been on the brand, designing for over a decade? Not everything is going to be a winner. Especially early days like Armada. Let me ask you, have you ever been laid off? It's pretty rough. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. There's nothing wrong with wanting fresh blood in the design team. Cutting off the head seems like the wrong way to go about it though. This would be the second time they've done so in as many years. Eric Seibenaler was the first talent (of that capacity) to be moved off the brand (to Star Wars). We are still seeing the difference in quality and design or feeling the loss. However you want to take it.
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Guys, it's official: "Orson" has left the building. Check Facebook. Or ask Sabrblade.
Because Sabrblade is the end all, be all font of Transformers information? I have checked on Facebook. Why do I need to fact check with Sabrblade? I can find my own facts if need be. I don't understand why you're rolling your eyes at me here. I'm having a civil discussion. What's your beef with me? I didn't address you at all.
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on May 9th, 2013 @ 4:12pm CDT
Also, Joe Kyde and Andy Schmitt are among the casualties, while Eric Siebenaler and Bill Rawley are with Star Wars now. Saw the news while rival-site browsing.
Posted by Flux Convoy on May 9th, 2013 @ 4:20pm CDT
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:If you have Facebook, click this link. If it actually works.
Also, Joe Kyde and Andy Schmitt are among the casualties, while Eric Siebenaler and Bill Rawley are with Star Wars now.
I've seen it, like I said. I knew about Eric too. I was entirely unaware we'd lost Bill Rawley as well though. That upsets me. I really enjoyed seeing him year after year. I've got fun memories with him. Eric and Aaron too, just yeah. Bill was fun. Damn.
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on May 9th, 2013 @ 4:29pm CDT
Flux Convoy wrote:JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:If you have Facebook, click this link. If it actually works.
Also, Joe Kyde and Andy Schmitt are among the casualties, while Eric Siebenaler and Bill Rawley are with Star Wars now.
I've seen it, like I said. I knew about Eric too. I was entirely unaware we'd lost Bill Rawley as well though. That upsets me. I really enjoyed seeing him year after year. I've got fun memories with him. Eric and Aaron too, just yeah. Bill was fun. Damn.
Hate to see big names go as much as the next guy, even if I never met them. All we can do is hope for the best, that their futures are bright, and Hasbro hires some worthy successors. And that they're well aware they have big shoes to fill.