World class fixing specialist ARaymond demonstrated its ability to think globally but supply locally when it held a Tech Day on Tuesday, 4 June 2013 at Nissan’s Technical Centre in Europe Nissan Cranfield UK , where 1,200 people work.
In the summer of 2012 ARaymond started supplying Nissan. During the day 250 visitors saw presentations which showed that ARaymond can supply fixing solutions cheaply cost effective and quickly from plants close to where the Japanese car maker produces cars. It was also an opportunity for engineers and buyers from both companies to meet and discuss commercial and technical issues.
When the Japanese tsunami occurred in March 2011 Nissan really became nervous”, explained François Dardenne, Global Account Manager (Automotive), ARaymond. He said that Nissan realised it would have supply problems because its existing suppliers of fixing solutions are based in Asia.
Mr Dardenne said that ARaymond has supplied fixing solutions to Renault for many years and should become a common supplier of the and will become a regular supplier to the Alliance (Renault Nissan). This means it that has considerable experience This acknowledges it that has considerable experience of the fixing challenges that can occur in automotive manufacturing.
ARaymond’s major competitive advantage is that it has plants close to where Nissan manufactures cars and in 2014 the company will open a production plant in Russia where Nissan already makes cars. Also ARaymond has doubled in size over over the last 12 months its plant in Brazil where Nissan is going to produce cars next year.
During the Tech Day ARaymond’s personnel explained that it understands how to reduce costs by using concepts such as parts integration. This usually means replacing many complex metallic parts with fewer and cheaper but more effective plastic components.
According to Mr Dardenne ARaymond is well known for its ability to make small clips and fasteners “but not many people know that we can also supply products as long as one metre, using technologies as, over molding, bi-injection process and automatic assembly process This product is used as a cable channel..”
With 11 design offices, 22 production sites, and 37 companies throughout the world ARaymond can meet all the fixing requirements of global car makers but at a regional level.