Supervisory Board (former President & CEO 1999-2025), ARaymond Network (A. Raymond SARL)
ARaymond Expands Rochester Hills, MI Operations, Celebrates 150th Birthday. --NewCarNews.TV
We talk to ARaymond CEO Antoine Raymond outside his facility in Rochester Hills, MI after ceremonies to celebrate the 30,000 square-foot expansion of this site. The company, based in Grenoble, France, is a leading global manufacturer of fasteners for the automotive industry. --NewCarNews.TV
Transcript (17 segments)
I
Interviewer0:00
We're in Rochester Hills this morning with Antoine Raymond. He's the CEO of the French Tier 2 auto supplier, ARaymond, and they've got an announcement to make today about an expansion. Antoine, welcome to the program.
A
Antoine Raymond0:14
Thank you very much.
I
Interviewer0:15
Now you're expanding, and here at Michigan, that's wonderful news for us.
A
Antoine Raymond0:20
We are very proud. You know, we've been in Michigan since 1987, and we are very proud to be in Michigan. We have expanded a lot over the years, and we continue.
I
Interviewer0:32
ARaymond makes clips and other fastening devices, including Quick Connect. And you're a very focused company. But what's most impressive, of course, is that you're the fifth generation of your family to run it. Yes, now that's pretty unusual. Tell us how that happens, the 150 years of success.
A
Antoine Raymond0:53
It happened.
Thanks to a great man who was my great-grandfather. He invented the first snap fastener for the textile industry and launched success worldwide. My great-great grandfather also believed in internationalization already in the 19th century. He was a good man who based success on the engagement of people, respecting them, and developing their talents. He founded one of the first apprentice schools. We kept the same expertise: specialized in assembly technology by clipping, bonding, and connecting. We are worldwide leaders, present in 25 countries with 25 plants. We are still focused on our expertise, based on innovation, internationalization, and excellence. The reason for 150 years of success is the care of people and their engagement. There is a theory called the symmetry of attention: if you care about people, they care about customers, suppliers, and partners. We need to care about ourselves and people to engage them, leading to customer satisfaction and enthusiasm. That's one element of business philosophy.
I
Interviewer2:59
Another one is that you remain very focused on just a small line of products. Basically, you do R&D, you're looking at other areas, but the company has not looked to get as big as it can possibly get, like many other companies. That's part of your business philosophy.
A
Antoine Raymond3:17
Yes, we want to remain an independent, family-owned company. Why? Because this helps us to focus on the long term. We are obsessed by sustainability; what we do today has an impact in 20 years. So we want to remain independent because independence allows us to take time, to take care, and we can also decide on costly investments with very good impact in 20 years. We can decide to have less financial results for the good sake of sustainability and long-term growth.
I
Interviewer4:04
And even though you're not a very large company, you are in 25 countries. Here in Rochester Hills, you're adding 30,000 square feet and about 50 employees.
A
Antoine Raymond4:13
Yes, to the manufacturing and R&D here in Rochester Hills, absolutely. Because we have had a very nice expansion in sales, so we were lacking space. Now we are extending the company, hiring people, and we have a lot of projects.
I
Interviewer4:37
Congratulations again on 150 years and being a family company. Let me ask you one more question: is there another generation behind you ready to take over?
A
Antoine Raymond4:48
There is a sixth generation. They are quite numerous, seventeen of them. The oldest is 26, the youngest is nine. They are already partners in the company. My cousin, my brother, and I ensure they enter the company, so they are all partners. We are working hard to prepare them for future responsibility. Of course, most of them will not work for the company, but we hope a few will carry the long-term sustainability and development. We are preparing all of them for their responsibility.
I
Interviewer5:37
All those families making great jobs and contributing to the company's success—probably only a handful of companies in the world have that longevity in the industry. Not so many. Yes, I mean, and I see, is this your father touring with you here?
A
Antoine Raymond5:54
Yes, my dad is 82 years old. He was head of the company for 40 years and retired in 1998. But my dad is very committed and transmitted to me important values, like respecting the most important part of the company, which are the people. He always told me that's a big responsibility.
I
Interviewer6:26
Well, congratulations again on 150 years. We're pleased to have you here in Michigan.
A
Antoine Raymond6:30
Thank you very much. Thank you.