RS Components named double award-winner at Elektra 2011

RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the world's leading high service distributor of electronics and maintenance products, has triumphed in two categories at the 2011 Elektra European Electronics Industry awards. At an awards dinner held at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge in London, RS was named ‘Distributor of the Year' as well as garnering the prestigious ‘Company of the Year' award. An annual highpoint of the electronics industry calendar, the Elektra Awards recognise the achievements of individuals and companies throughout Europe and are designed to promote best practice in innovation, sales growth and employee motivation. RS was selected as ‘Distributor of the Year' by an independent panel of industry judges and went on to be singled out from the winners as the ‘Company of the Year'. The judges chose to award RS in both categories for its outstanding achievement in technology innovation and business success. They were particularly impressed with the way the company has not only transformed its approach to the distribution market, increasing its online presence and dramatically growing its new product introductions, but also the impact that RS has made on the design community. Key to this process has been the launch of advanced design tools and resources, all of which have been made available free-of-charge. Its DesignSpark PCB design tool is an award-winning, fully integrated, powerful and easy-to-use PCB-design package that has recorded more than 100,000 downloads since its launch. Commenting on the double success, Glenn Jarrett, Head of Electronics Marketing at RS Components, said, "We are extremely honoured to receive these two awards at Elektra. Over the past year we have strengthened our position as a truly world-class multi-channel distributor with the addition of tens of thousands of new products to our range, and we have placed strong emphasis on delivery excellence and value-for-money. These initiatives, together with our industry-leading free design tools and eCommerce capabilities, have significantly enriched the customer experience." About RS Components RS Components and Allied Electronics are the trading brands of Electrocomponents plc, the world's leading high service distributor of electronics and maintenance products. Through operations in 32 countries and 17 warehouses, the Group serves 1.6 million customers worldwide and distributes 550,000 products ranging from semiconductors and optoelectronics to power tools and protective clothing. The product and service portfolio supports the entire product lifecycle from R&D through pre-production to maintenance and repair. The Group ships more than 46,000 parcels on the same day the orders are received. Electrocomponents is listed on the London Stock Exchange and in the last financial year to 31 March 2011 had revenues of £1.18bn. For more information, please visit the website at www.rs-components.com