Raymond Shifts Gears: Auto and Defence Emerge as New Growth Engines, Says Nirmal Bang

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Raymond Ltd, a name long synonymous with India’s textile and lifestyle legacy, is undergoing a strategic transformation that could redefine its future. According to brokerage firm Nirmal Bang Institutional Equities, the company has decisively pivoted away from its traditional businesses to focus on high-potential engineering verticals—specifically auto components and aerospace & defence. These sectors, now branded as Raymond’s new growth engines, are expected to drive scale, profitability, and long-term resilience.

The shift was highlighted during a recent investor conference hosted by Nirmal Bang, where Raymond’s top executives outlined their roadmap for the next phase of growth. With the successful demerger of its lifestyle and real estate arms, Raymond is now a leaner, engineering-focused entity poised to capitalize on India’s industrial boom and global defence partnerships.

🧭 Strategic Realignment: From Wool to Warfare

Raymond’s evolution from a woolen mill in Thane to a diversified conglomerate has been marked by bold restructuring. The company has exited non-core businesses and consolidated its engineering operations under two key subsidiaries:

  • JK Maini Precision Technology Ltd – Focused on auto components and industrial engineering.
  • JK Maini Global Aerospace Ltd – Dedicated to aerospace, defence, and high-precision manufacturing.

This realignment reflects Raymond’s ambition to become a global player in mid-volume, high-precision niches, leveraging its legacy of manufacturing excellence.

Business SegmentStatus Post-DemergerFocus Area
Lifestyle (Raymond Lifestyle Ltd)Demerged & listedApparel, suiting, retail
Realty (Raymond Realty Ltd)Demerged & debt-freeResidential projects in MMR
Engineering (Core Raymond Ltd)ConsolidatedAuto, EV, aerospace, defence

📊 Auto Components: Driving Growth in EV and Hybrid Segments

Raymond’s auto division is rapidly expanding into electric and hybrid vehicle components, including three-wheeler transmissions and commercial vehicle parts. The company holds a leadership position in the hybrid market and benefits from strong export relationships in Europe and Mexico.

Auto SegmentProduct FocusMarket Position
EV & Hybrid ComponentsTransmissions, drive systemsLeadership in hybrid
Commercial VehiclesPrecision parts, assembliesGrowing footprint
Export MarketsEurope, MexicoStrong relationships
Tariff ExposureMinimal (via Mexico)US tariffs mitigated

Raymond’s strategy aligns with India’s push for local sourcing and global transition towards sustainable mobility.

🔍 Aerospace & Defence: Strategic Partnerships and Global Reach

In the aerospace and defence vertical, Raymond has forged partnerships with industry giants such as Pratt & Whitney, Safran, Airbus, HAL, and GE. These collaborations enable Raymond to participate in high-value programs and mitigate the cyclicality of aerospace margins.

Partner CompanyCollaboration ScopeStrategic Value
Pratt & WhitneyEngine components, precision partsEntry into global supply chain
SafranAerospace systems, alloysTechnology transfer
AirbusStructural componentsLong-term contracts
HALDefence-grade manufacturingDomestic defence exposure
GE AerospaceComplex alloys, turbine partsHigh-margin opportunities

Raymond’s diversification into defence manufacturing positions it favorably amid rising global defence budgets and India’s Make in India initiative.

🧠 Financial Outlook: Medium-Term Targets and SAP Integration

Raymond aims to achieve a 15% revenue CAGR and a 20% EBITDA CAGR over the next three to five years. This growth will be supported by SAP-driven operational efficiencies and consolidation of recent integrations.

MetricTarget (FY26–FY28)Strategic Driver
Revenue CAGR15%Auto & defence verticals
EBITDA CAGR20%SAP integration, cost control
Export Contribution40%+Europe, Mexico, Asia
Domestic Growth60%EV, defence, industrial

The company’s streamlined structure and focus on high-margin sectors are expected to deliver consistent returns and shareholder value.

📉 Legacy Businesses: Successful Demerger and Value Unlocking

Raymond Lifestyle Ltd and Raymond Realty Ltd have been spun off as independent entities, allowing each to pursue its growth trajectory. Raymond Realty, now debt-free, has emerged as one of the top five developers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) by revenue.

Demerged EntityBusiness FocusPerformance Highlights
Raymond Lifestyle LtdApparel, retailStrong brand equity, listed
Raymond Realty LtdReal estate45% CAGR in bookings (FY20–25)

This restructuring has unlocked shareholder value and enabled Raymond Ltd to concentrate on engineering-led growth.

🧠 Analyst Commentary: Nirmal Bang’s Bullish Outlook

Nirmal Bang Institutional Equities has expressed confidence in Raymond’s strategic pivot, calling auto and defence the company’s “new growth engines.” The brokerage highlighted Raymond’s ability to scale adjacencies, mitigate margin volatility, and capitalize on global industrial trends.

“Raymond’s engineering strategy is robust, diversified, and future-ready. The company is well-positioned to deliver sustainable growth across auto, aerospace, and industrial segments,” said Nirmal Bang analysts.

The firm also noted Raymond’s limited exposure to US tariffs due to its Mexico-based processing, which adds resilience to its export model.

📌 Conclusion

Raymond Ltd’s transformation from a textile titan to an engineering powerhouse marks a new chapter in its century-old legacy. With auto and defence now driving its growth narrative, the company is poised to become a key player in India’s industrial resurgence and global supply chains.

Backed by strategic partnerships, export strength, and operational agility, Raymond’s pivot reflects not just a change in business—but a reinvention of its identity. For investors, stakeholders, and industry watchers, Raymond’s journey offers a compelling case study in adaptability, vision, and execution.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available investor briefings and media reports as of August 22, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, or strategic advice.

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