RS
RS is the principal industrial and electronic-products distribution brand of RS Group plc, supplying components, automation products, tools, test equipment and related engineering services. RS Components is a UK-based industrial and electronics distributor supplying components, tools, and related products through online and other ordering channels.
Last updated October 16, 2026
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Overview
RS is the principal trading brand associated with RS Group plc, the London-based distributor formerly known as Electrocomponents plc. Its roots reach back to 1937, when J. H. Waring and P. M. Sebestyen established Radiospares in a London lock-up garage to supply replacement parts to radio-repair businesses. The original business focused on electronic and mechanical components for radio receivers and transmitters. As television ownership expanded, the range broadened to include television parts, and the company developed into a national distribution operation during and after the Second World War. A major early turning point came in 1954, when the founders extended the business beyond repair shops and household users to serve industrial customers and manufacturers. This shift established the basic model that still defines RS: aggregating products from many specialist suppliers and making them available to engineers, maintenance teams, designers, production operations and other professional buyers. The company became known for its illustrated catalogues, structured part-numbering system, technical data sheets and rapid mail-order fulfilment. These features helped customers identify and obtain relatively specialised components before online industrial commerce became widespread. The group was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1967 under the name Electrocomponents. It continued to expand its physical distribution infrastructure, opening a Corby distribution centre in 1984 and another facility in Nuneaton in 1995. The company also adopted new catalogue technologies, including a CD-ROM catalogue, before launching its own e-commerce website in 1998. In 1999 it acquired Allied Electronics, a United States distributor, giving the group a stronger North American presence and adding a second major operating identity alongside RS Components. RS's current offer spans electronic components, electrical products, automation and control equipment, test and measurement instruments, engineering tools, maintenance supplies and industrial consumables. The group operates as an omnichannel supplier, combining web-based ordering, product information, technical resources, logistics and established commercial-account relationships. Its assortment is sourced from thousands of suppliers and covers hundreds of thousands of products. The brand therefore functions less as a single-product manufacturer than as a specialist route to market for industrial and electronic goods. The business has also supported engineering and maker-oriented initiatives. In 2010, RS Components and Allied Electronics introduced DesignSpark PCB, a free PCB-layout software tool intended to help users develop electronic designs. In 2012, the two businesses became major manufacturers and distributors of Raspberry Pi products. The group acquired the UK outsourcing-services provider IESA in 2018, extending its capabilities beyond straightforward product distribution. In 2022, Electrocomponents plc announced that it would adopt the RS Group plc name, aligning the corporate identity more closely with its established RS trading brand. Allied Electronics was subsequently brought under the RS brand as RS Americas, Inc. in 2023. RS today serves professional designers, builders and maintainers of industrial equipment and operations, as well as selected technology, education, hobbyist and maker communities. RS Group's wider brand portfolio includes RS, RS Americas and OKdo. The RS brand remains active and internationally oriented, while its exact product mix, services and web presentation vary by market.
History
RS traces its origins to Radiospares, founded in 1937 by J. H. Waring and P. M. Sebestyen in a lock-up garage at Lanark Villas in Maida Vale, London. The original business supplied radio-repair shops with replacement electronic and mechanical parts for receivers and transmitters. The spread of television ownership prompted the company to add television components, after which it moved to Birchington Road in Kilburn and developed into a substantial national distributor by the end of the Second World War. In 1954, the founders broadened the customer base from repair shops and home users to industrial companies and manufacturers. This industrial orientation became central to the company's later development. Its catalogue model was notable for detailed illustrations, an eight-digit part-numbering system, country-specific annual price lists and technical data sheets supplied to customers. Orders were dispatched on the day of ordering in the company's early mail-order operation, with postage paid by the business. The company was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1967 as Electrocomponents. During the 1970s it operated from Fitzroy House on Epworth Street in Islington. It expanded its logistics network with a distribution centre at Corby in Northamptonshire in 1984 and another at Nuneaton in Warwickshire in 1995. A CD-ROM catalogue reflected the company's move into digital product information, and its e-commerce website went live in 1998. International expansion accelerated with the 1999 acquisition of Allied Electronics, a United States distributor. The group subsequently operated through RS Components and Allied Electronics as its principal distribution businesses. In 2010, the two businesses launched DesignSpark PCB, free PCB design software aimed at supporting engineers and electronic designers. In 2012, they became major manufacturers and distributors for Raspberry Pi, linking the distribution business with the growing maker and embedded-computing market. In May 2018, the group acquired IESA, a UK outsourcing-services provider. The transaction broadened the group's business interests and complemented its established distribution activities. In March 2022, Electrocomponents plc announced a corporate name change to RS Group plc, effective in early May. The rebrand reflected the importance of the RS identity across the business. In 2023, Allied Electronics was brought under the RS brand as RS Americas, Inc. The RS Group business now describes itself as an omnichannel provider for people who design, build and maintain industrial equipment and operations. Its range includes more than 600,000 products from approximately 2,500 suppliers, covering electronic components, electrical products, automation and control, test and measurement, engineering tools and consumables. The group serves more than one million customers in over 80 countries. RS is the principal global trading identity, while RS Americas and OKdo represent additional parts of the wider group portfolio.
- 2023
Allied Electronics becomes RS Americas
[1]The North American Allied Electronics business is brought under the RS brand as RS Americas, Inc.
- 2022
Corporate identity changes to RS Group plc
[1]Electrocomponents plc adopts the RS Group plc name, aligning the corporate name with the RS brand.
- 2018
Acquisition of IESA
[1]Electrocomponents acquires UK-based outsourcing-services provider IESA in May 2018.
- 2012
Raspberry Pi manufacturing and distribution
[1]RS Components and Allied Electronics become major manufacturers and distributors for Raspberry Pi products.
- 2010
Launch of DesignSpark PCB
[1]RS Components and Allied Electronics launch free-to-use PCB layout software called DesignSpark PCB.
- 1999
Allied Electronics is acquired
[1]Electrocomponents acquires the US distributor Allied Electronics.
- 1998
E-commerce website launches
[1]The group launches its own e-commerce website.
- 1995
Nuneaton distribution centre opens
[1]A further distribution centre opens in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.
- 1984
Corby distribution centre opens
[1]The company opens a distribution centre in Corby, Northamptonshire.
- 1967
London Stock Exchange listing
[1]The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the Electrocomponents name.
Products and positioning
A broad-line, technically oriented distributor for engineers, industrial businesses, maintenance teams, designers, makers and other professional buyers. RS differentiates through catalogue breadth, supplier access, technical information, digital ordering and distribution capability rather than through ownership of a single consumer product category. A broad-line industrial and electronics distributor offering a wide product catalogue and access to multiple brands.
Electronic components
Electronic components
RS distributes a broad selection of electronic parts used in circuit design, repair, prototyping and industrial equipment. The range forms a direct continuation of the company's original Radiospares activity, although the modern catalogue is substantially broader and is sourced from numerous specialist manufacturers.
Electrical supplies
Electrical products
The electrical range serves installation, maintenance and industrial operating requirements. It includes products used by professional electrical and engineering customers and is sold through RS's digital and distribution channels.
Industrial automation
Automation and control
RS provides automation and control products for industrial equipment and operating environments, supporting designers, builders and maintenance teams.
Test and measurement
Test and measurement equipment
The catalogue includes instruments and equipment used to test, measure, diagnose and validate electrical, electronic and industrial systems.
Engineering and maintenance supplies
Engineering tools and consumables
RS supplies tools, maintenance items and engineering consumables used in workshops, production sites, repair operations and industrial facilities.
Engineering software · 2010
DesignSpark PCB
DesignSpark PCB is free PCB-layout software launched by RS Components and Allied Electronics in 2010. It was created to provide accessible design support for engineers and electronic-design users.
Single-board computers and accessories · 2012
Raspberry Pi products
RS and Allied Electronics became major manufacturers and distributors for Raspberry Pi products in 2012, connecting the group's industrial distribution network with education, maker, embedded-computing and prototyping users.
Industrial and electronic product catalogue
The UK site lists product categories including relays, sensors, electrical and industrial cables, tapes, and tools.
Multi-brand product range
The homepage describes a range of more than 300 brands, and the site provides a shop-by-brand directory.
Brand decisions
2022
Rebranding of Electrocomponents as RS Group plcStrategyBackground
The established RS identity had become central to the group's international commercial presence.
Action taken
Electrocomponents plc announced and implemented a corporate name change to RS Group plc in early May 2022.
Aftermath
The corporate identity became more closely aligned with the RS trading brand.
2018
Acquisition of IESAM&ABackground
The group pursued capabilities in outsourcing services in addition to its established distribution operations.
Action taken
Electrocomponents acquired UK-based outsourcing-services provider IESA in May 2018.
Aftermath
The acquisition expanded the group's business scope beyond product distribution.
2010
Launch of DesignSpark PCBProduct launchBackground
RS and Allied identified a need for accessible electronic-design tools that could support engineers and other users alongside the product catalogue.
Action taken
The two operating businesses launched free-to-use PCB layout software called DesignSpark PCB.
Aftermath
The initiative broadened the group's relationship with design engineers and positioned its digital services as more than a transactional catalogue.
1999
Acquisition of Allied ElectronicsM&ABackground
Electrocomponents sought to expand its international distribution footprint, particularly in the United States.
Action taken
The company acquired Allied Electronics, which became one of the group's principal operating businesses alongside RS Components.
Aftermath
The acquisition strengthened the group's North American presence and later provided the basis for Allied Electronics' eventual transition to the RS Americas identity.
Recent events
RS Components launches DesignSpark #ActivistEngineering[7]
Reported:
RS Components launched its DesignSpark #ActivistEngineering program, beginning with an indoor air quality project that calls on engineers to help develop and share portable air-quality monitors.
RS Components unveils DesignSpark Environmental Sensor Development Platform[7]
Reported:
RS Components unveiled the cloud-enabled, open-source DesignSpark Environmental Sensor Development Platform to support the program’s indoor air quality project.
RS Components announces AURIX evaluation and development kits[8]
Reported:
RS Components announced availability of a new range of evaluation and development kits for Infineon’s AURIX microcontroller family. The kits are intended for automotive and industrial applications, and the article says they are shipping globally from RS.
RS Components becomes an authorised UK reseller of LEGO Education[9]
Reported:
RS Components announced that it had signed an agreement with LEGO Education to become an authorised reseller of LEGO Education products in the UK.
RS PRO launches facial-recognition temperature-screening access-control system[10]
Reported:
RS PRO launched a smart facial-recognition temperature-screening access-control system on the RS Components China website.
Tektronix introduces TBS1000C digital storage oscilloscope[11]
Reported:
Tektronix introduced the TBS1000C digital storage oscilloscope, which features an enhanced user interface and education-focused features. The device became available from RS in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions.
RS Components introduces Renesas RX23E-A microcontrollers[12]
Reported:
RS Components introduced Renesas RX23E-A microcontrollers for precision sensing and measurement applications. The devices were shipping at RS in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions.
RS Components, Nordic Semiconductor and Cadent launch global design challenge[13]
Reported:
RS Components, Nordic Semiconductor and Cadent joined forces to launch the global ‘Connect the Community’ competition, inviting ideas for technology to help people in isolation.
DesignSpark “New Year, New Gear” giveaway promotion[14]
Reported:
RS Components, with support from Maxim Integrated, TE Connectivity and STM Microelectronics, announced a DesignSpark promotion in which new and existing members in North America could enter a drawing for an engineering gift bundle.
RS Components launches DesignSpark PCB Pro in the UK[15]
Reported:
RS Components launched DesignSpark PCB Pro, an upgraded version of its DesignSpark PCB design suite with additional productivity features. The product was released first in the UK, with a global rollout planned in the coming weeks.
Sources15 sources
- 1RS Group plcen.wikipedia.org
- 2Industrial Solutions & Electrical Components | RSuk.rs-online.com
- 3Order History | RSuk.rs-online.com
- 4Terms and Conditions of Sale Productsuk.rs-online.com
- 5RS | Shop By Branduk.rs-online.com
- 6https://uk.rs-online.comuk.rs-online.com
- 7RS Components 推出 DesignSpark #ActivistEngineering 计划eejournal.com
- 8RS Components宣布推出AURIX评估与开发套件eejournal.com
- 9RS Components 成为 LEGO Education 在英国的授权经销商eejournal.com
- 10RS PRO推出人脸识别测温门禁系统prnasia.com
- 11Tektronix推出TBS1000C数字存储示波器eejournal.com
- 12RS Components推出瑞萨RX23E-A微控制器eejournal.com
- 13RS Components、Nordic Semiconductor与Cadent推出全球设计挑战赛eejournal.com
- 14DesignSpark“新年新装备”赠礼活动eejournal.com
- 15RS Components 在英国推出 DesignSpark PCB Proeejournal.com
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