RS Components Deploys Supply Chain Planning Solution Across Europe

Increased Forecast Accuracy to Improve Customer Service Levels

OXFORD, England, October 25, 2010 - RS Components (rs-components.com/), the world's largest
distributor of electronics and maintenance products, has deployed a new
supply chain planning solution across the European region. SO99+ from
ToolsGroup (www.toolsgroup.com/), will improve forecast accuracy and
inventory optimisation of around 500,000 product lines, resulting in an
improvement in customer service levels.

Following several intensive months of business preparation and
simulations to understand fully the implications of SO99+, RS is now
calculating an 18 month forward view of demand, based on three years of
demand history at an order level, which is being used to drive all inventory
purchase orders across Europe.

"We are really pleased with the results already being delivered following
the introduction of SO99+ and as we roll out further elements of the tool
over the coming months, we expect SO99+ to offer our business unprecedented
scope for modelling and optimising stock and service," said Andrew Lewis,
Head of Global Supply Planning at RS Components.

"The tool is important in its own right for both cost reduction and
service improvement, but in many ways the most exciting part is that it is
one of our key enablers, along with initiatives such as the introduction of a
robust Sales, Inventory & Operational Planning (SIOP) process, that will see
our supply chain transformed into a world class part of the RS business"
added Lewis.

To date, SO99+ calculations have led RS to significant reductions in
overall stock holdings while simultaneously increasing the service levels
enjoyed by customers through both the physical redistribution of stock around
the European network of 11 warehouses and the changing of stocking profiles.

"Our approach to supply chain planning is the first of its kind to
incorporate probabilistic modelling across a range of supply chain planning
functions, from demand forecasting through to inventory and replenishment
planning. We're confident that RS will reap substantial benefits from the
deployment of our SO99+ system, resulting in a more effective and efficient
supply chain," explained Martin Woodward, Managing Director of ToolsGroup.

About RS Components

RS Components is the world's largest distributor of electronics and
maintenance products serving 1.5 million customers worldwide. Through
operations in 27 countries and 17 warehouses, RS distributes around 500,000
products from over 2,500 suppliers. The Group has an annual turnover of more
than GBP972 million and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. RS Components
is the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc. For more detail on the Group
please visit the corporate website: www.electrocomponents.com.

In addition to visiting www.rs-components.com, more information is
available via these links:

    Twitter: @RSElectronics (twitter.com/rselectronics)
    Tweet: RS Components Deploys New Supply Chain Planning Solution
    Hashtags: #supplychain #logistics

    RS Components on Linkedin
    (www.linkedin.com/companies/rs-components)

    Relevant Links:

    RS Components (www.rs-components.com/index.html)
    Electrocomponents PLC (www.electrocomponents.com/)
    ToolsGroup (www.toolsgroup.com/)

    Contact:
    Andrea Barnard
    Electrocomponents plc
    Tel: +44(0)1865-207460
    Email: andrea.barnard@electrocomponents.com

Electrocomponents PLC

www.electrocomponents.com/ecm/press/releases/pr2010/2010-10-25/

Contact: Andrea Barnard, Electrocomponents plc, Tel: +44(0)1865-207460, Email: andrea.barnard at electrocomponents.com