Raymond’s 100-Year History of Reinventing the Fabric of Business

Raymond Group, founded in 1925 by Albert Raymond, is one of India’s foremost textile and fashion powerhouses, headquartered in Mumbai. Best known as the world’s largest producer of wool and wool-blend suiting fabrics, it owns iconic brands like Raymond, Park Avenue, ColorPlus, and Parx—retailing through 700+ stores across India, including in tier IV and V cities. Under Gautam Singhania’s leadership since 2000, the group has diversified and modernised its operations.  

In a significant move on May 14, 2025, Raymond Ltd announced the demerger of its real estate arm, Raymond Realty, aiming to streamline its business structure and unlock greater shareholder value. This article delves into the group’s century-long journey and recent strategic evolution.

Raymond History Timeline 

Here is a complete breakdown of Raymond’s historical timeline: 

• 1925 – Raymond Woollen Mill is established in Thane, Maharashtra.
• 1944 – Taken over by the JK Singhania family, marking the beginning of professional expansion.
• 1958 – First retail showroom launched: King's Corner in Ballard Estate, Mumbai.
• 1960s–70s – Expansion into synthetic fabrics and modern textile machinery.
• 1980 – Raymond launches ‘The Complete Man’ brand campaign, which becomes iconic.
• 1990 – Foray into branded apparel; Park Avenue is launched.
• 1996 – Launch of ColorPlus (later acquired); diversification in the apparel portfolio.
• 2000 – Launch of Parx, targeting the youth and casual wear market.
• 2006 – Raymond sells its denim business to focus on core textiles and branded apparel.
• 2007 – Entry into the tools & hardware segment through JK Files & Tools.
• 2009–10 – Gautam Singhania becomes the CMD; begins streamlining and diversification strategy.
• 2013 – Foray into the FMCG/personal grooming space with Park Avenue deodorants.
• 2019 – Entry into real estate with the launch of Raymond Realty, starting with projects in Thane.
• 2021 – Raymond announces restructuring plans to improve business focus and shareholder value.
• 2023 – Raymond Lifestyle demerged as a separate listed entity (textiles & apparel business);
  Raymond Ltd retains engineering, tools, FMCG, and real estate businesses.
• 2024 – Continues to expand real estate portfolio; strengthens retail and digital presence.

Subsidiaries of Raymond  

1. Raymond Lifestyle Ltd.

Raymond Lifestyle Ltd is the flagship business of Raymond, managing its core textile and branded apparel segments. It operates iconic labels such as Raymond, Park Avenue, ColorPlus, and Parx. The company has a vast retail footprint with exclusive brand outlets across India.

2. Raymond Realty Ltd.

Launched in 2019, Raymond Realty Ltd marks the group’s foray into real estate development. It focuses on high-quality residential projects in Thane, Maharashtra, starting with its flagship “Ten X Habitat”. The company aims to redefine urban living through modern, efficient housing.

3. JK Files & Engineering Ltd.

JK Files & Engineering is a global leader in the manufacturing of steel files and precision tools. With a legacy of over 70 years, it serves customers across 55+ countries. The company also produces drills and cutting tools and caters to industrial sectors globally.

4. Raymond Apparel Ltd.

Raymond Apparel Ltd. manages the group’s premium ready-to-wear clothing segment. It handles design, manufacturing, and retail for Park Avenue, ColorPlus, and Parx. The subsidiary plays a vital role in bringing contemporary fashion to Indian consumers.

5. Raymond Consumer Care Ltd.

Raymond Consumer Care Ltd, formerly JK Helene Curtis, handles the FMCG arm of the group. It offers grooming and personal care products under the Park Avenue and KS brands. The business has a strong presence in the deodorant and fragrance market.

6. Silver Spark Apparel Ltd.

Silver Spark Apparel Ltd. is a key export-oriented unit specialising in formalwear, especially suits and jackets. It caters to international markets, supplying leading brands in Europe and the USA. The company enhances Raymond's global presence in garment exports.

7. Celebrations Apparel Ltd.

Celebrations Apparel Ltd. focuses on ethnic and occasion wear production. It supports the growing demand for traditional clothing during Indian festivals and weddings. The unit aligns with Raymond’s strategy to diversify its fashion offerings.

8. Ring Plus Aqua Ltd.

Ring Plus Aqua Ltd. is a precision engineering company that manufactures auto components such as ring gears, flexplates, and water pump bearings. It supplies major global automotive OEMs and contributes significantly to Raymond’s engineering division.

9. EverBlue Apparel Ltd.

EverBlue Apparel Ltd. is engaged in manufacturing garments, particularly casualwear and value-engineered apparel. It supports the domestic and export demand for cost-effective clothing. The subsidiary enhances Raymond's production capacity at scale.

Raymond Shareholding Pattern 

As of March 31, 2025, Raymond Ltd's shareholding pattern was distributed as follows:

• Promoter & Promoter Group held 48.87% of the total shares, reflecting a strong and stable controlling interest.
• Public shareholders accounted for 51.10%, indicating significant market participation and investor confidence.
• The rest is owned by employee trusts.  

Conclusion 

Over the past century, Raymond Group has evolved from a woollen mill into a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning textiles, apparel, engineering, FMCG, and real estate. The recent demerger of Raymond Realty signals a focused approach toward unlocking value across its distinct verticals, positioning Raymond as a resilient and forward-looking enterprise in the Indian corporate landscape.

Read more on: Raymond Realty Demerger: Key Highlights as Real Estate Arm Goes Independent. 

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