RS and Allied open distribution networks to all-comers

The companies, both brands of Electrocomponents plc, see it as a crucial move to help meet critical product needs as the supply chain comes under increasing strain from the COVID-19 pandemic.

An RS Spokesperson commented, “The aim is to offer support to our industrial component distribution partners in the electronics and maintenance space.  We have initially approached a list of industrial partners in both segments compiled by the business leads within the regions including Allied, as well as personal industry colleagues of Lindsley Ruth, the Chief Executive Officer of Electrocomponents, has accumulated over his time in distribution. The offer is not aimed at pure logistics companies but companies distributing their own product ranges or suppliers just like RS.”

Regional heads at RS and Allied have compiled lists of companies which include their traditional competitors.

The RS statement continued, “but as we all serve a common customer base, in these times we need to offer an olive branch to ensure we can make sure these customers, many in essential services, can keep their production or capabilities moving.”

And while the original offer did not include supermarket food deliveries, RS’s spokesperson says “I am sure if we could help in some way we would try and support them as long as the solution was viable.”

The distributor will also reach out to both customers having problems delivering products to end customers as well as its suppliers and manufacturing partners.

Lindsley Ruth has written to suppliers and distributors outlining how he is extending the company’s emergency support plan to the wider distribution sector, to enable businesses to continue to deliver parts and ensure that critical supplies do not come to a halt through this crisis.

Effective immediately, the Group has established a direct email address to advisers (partnersupport@electrocomponents.com), ready and waiting to identify solutions to provide shipment to accessible locations through its global distribution network.

Though it is currently hard to predict the level of uptake, each request will be managed on a case-by-case basis for as long as support is required.

The systems and processes to fulfil these transactions have been put in place and staff will be deployed at the company’s distribution centres according to the demand.

Lindsley Ruth stresses, “In these unprecedented times, both personally and professionally, we must support one another in distribution, to do all we can to support our customers, many of whom are playing a critical role at this time.”

By responding quickly to the coronavirus outbreak, and through active engagement across its supply chain, RS and Allied have succeeded in maintaining strong inventory and consistency of supply and have continuity plans for their 12 distribution centres across the globe, which currently remain open and operating effectively.

In the UK, Electrocomponents has signed the C-19 Business Pledge, a national initiative founded by former cabinet minister Justine Greening and entrepreneur David Harrison.

The initiative urges businesses and universities across Britain to mobilise a collective effort to tackle COVID-19, and to safeguard the country’s long-term recovery by supporting employees, customers and communities.

It has received the backing of employers representing more than 1.5 million staff and students.

Those joining Electrocomponents in the effort include BP, Everton Football Club, National Grid, Severn Trent Water and Northampton University, among many others.