RS Components Wins ‘Logistics and Distribution Operations’ Award at European Supply Chain Excellence Awards

OXFORD, England, November 9, 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 won the ‘Logistics and Distribution Operations’ award at the European Supply Chain Excellence Awards 2011. The award was presented for the company’s ability to use the economic downturn to transform its supply chain, reducing total costs and reinvesting in its logistics operation to the benefit of the entire business. Other companies competing for the award included Air Products, Screwfix, Travis Perkins and United Biscuits.

Anne Bruggink, General Manager Supply Chain at Electrocomponents, said: “To win such a significant European supply chain award against such distinguished competition is a great achievement for us and proves that we are on track with our vision of building a world class supply chain. Our logistics operation is a true asset for the business, enabling us to continuously exceed the expectations of both our customers and suppliers.”

RS has introduced numerous changes and improvements to its supply chain systems and processes as part of a five year programme to strengthen its supply chain and make it an acknowledged core-competency for the business. These include moving to a new European supply chain structure, increasing network optimisation and efficiency, and improving engagement and forecast sharing with key suppliers.

This has enabled RS to increase its introduction of new products from 5,000 per year in 2008 to 5,000 per month in the financial year ended 31 March 2011 with only a 10 percent increase in staff. It has also reduced total supply chain costs by 9.2 percent as a percentage of sales and increased customer satisfaction for both delivery and value for money.

The European Supply Chain Excellence Awards recognise and reward organisations in Europe that demonstrate excellence in their supply chain operations. The awards highlight the importance of, and the opportunities offered by, excellent supply chain management and are renowned for the rigour of the judging process.

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.

More information is available via these links:

RS Components on Linkedin

www.linkedin.com/company/rs-components

Electrocomponents plc

www.electrocomponents.com

RS Components

www.rs-components.com

Editorial contact: Lynn Webster-Scott, Group PR Manager
Electrocomponents plc, Phone: +44(0)1865-207515, Email: lynn.webster-scott at electrocomponents.com