ARaymond is a global leader in fastening and assembly solutions for the automotive, energy, and construction industries. Founded in 1865 — and still led by its founder’s descendants — the company has grown from a single workshop in France into a multinational enterprise serving OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and renewable energy manufacturers.
Plante Moran has been serving ARaymond in North America for nearly 30 years. What began as a traditional audit engagement in the U.S. has evolved into a broad advisory relationship spanning tax strategy, international expansion, organizational development, and operational support. Here’s how we’ve helped ARaymond expand, grow, and change.
Supporting global expansion and international operations
As ARaymond expanded in Mexico, the company encountered a range of cross-border tax, legal, and operational issues. We helped the team address these challenges by providing transfer pricing support, conducting customs audits, and offering regulatory advice. When leadership transitions created temporary talent gaps — twice — we stepped in to provide interim controller support, which extended to sourcing permanent replacements. We also guided the company through employment structuring considerations in Canada and other countries as it built out its global workforce.
Our international consulting expertise helped ARaymond:
- Meet transfer pricing and customs audit requirements.
- Bridge staffing disruptions with interim controller support.
- Structure international employment processes and reporting.
Modernizing structure and improving internal processes
With growth came complexity — especially within ARaymond’s long-standing legal and tax structure. Multiple legacy entities created redundancies, increased compliance costs, and complicated internal reporting. We collaborated with the company’s legal team to analyze restructuring options and develop a streamlined model that reduced administrative burden and aligned with the company’s current operational needs.
As ARaymond evaluated its North American facilities, the company sought clarity on plant utilization and long-term facility planning. Our strategy and operations team developed financial models and scenario analyses to support supply chain optimization and plant consolidation decisions, providing leadership with deeper insight into cost structures and performance.
During this time, daily administrative processes — particularly fixed asset tracking — were also consuming substantial internal capacity. Our tax solutions group (TSG) took on these tasks, enhancing accuracy and streamlining communication between teams. This allowed internal staff to dedicate more time to strategic responsibilities.
Our consultants removed obstacles and helped ARaymond:
- Optimize its legal and tax structure.
- Standardize fixed asset tracking.
- Evaluate plant consolidation and supply chain scenarios.
Unlocking tax credits and strengthening financial flexibility
ARaymond’s investments in innovation and new facilities opened the door to multiple credit and incentive opportunities. We conducted a multiyear R&D tax credit analysis that delivered a seven-figure cash benefit and a cost segregation study for its new U.S. headquarters, resulting in accelerated deductions. This work improved ARaymond’s cash position, enabling reinvestment and stronger financial flexibility during a period of growth.
Another innovation pursued by the company was the production of structural fasteners for the solar industry. This led us to identify the newly available Section 45X advanced manufacturing credit as a significant opportunity. Our tax specialists assessed eligibility, calculated the credit, and guided the company through the monetization process. The first-year savings were substantial, and in the most recent tax year, total savings surpassed seven figures, resulting in meaningful cash flow benefits.
Our structured, proactive approach to tax consulting helped ARaymond:
- Identify millions in tax credits.
- Significantly improve cash flow.
- Unlock additional value in new assets with accelerated depreciation.
A relationship built on connection, responsiveness, and trust
Over nearly 30 years of collaboration, Plante Moran has evolved from ARaymond’s service provider to its trusted advisor, guiding the organization through pivotal moments of business change. One such turning point came in 2022, when ARaymond’s North America CFO retired. Our talent and organizational development team facilitated the internal selection process, conducting professional assessments and interviews. Based on our interview and the retiring CFO’s recommendation, we endorsed Andrew Callahan, who subsequently became the next CFO.
In Andrew’s words, we’re reliable, trustworthy stewards of ARaymond’s mission: “With Plante Moran, I don’t have to funnel all my questions or needs through a single point of contact. I know exactly who to call if I have a tax question or need an opinion on some aspects of our operations, and I get the clarity and insight I need almost immediately. They’re less like a service provider and more like a coordinated extension of our internal team. They understand us, know our business, and are actively invested in our strategic direction.”
As ARaymond continues to grow and adapt within a competitive global marketplace, we remain committed to helping them overcome challenges and meet the next era with confidence. Contact us to find out how we can do the same for you.
