ISPRINGEN (Germany) — Broadline electrical distributor Rutronik Elektronische Bauelemente GmbH has announced the founding of a new subsidiary, Rutronik Inc. With its headquarters/sales office in Cleveland, OH, and with future expansion planned in key markets throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in 2015-2016, it is positioned to serve the North American market. Under the expert supervision of Vice President Jeff Shafer, Rutronik Inc. will operate independently and flexibly within the global Rutronik Group.
Rutronik Inc. opened its doors for business on April 20 with the inauguration of the headquarters in Cleveland. The internal sales and product management staff along with the technically oriented field sales engineers, that are positioned in key markets across the United States, will support both the global and North American customers, employing decentralized development and procurement processes that Rutronik already supports in Europe and Asia. In the mid-term, Rutronik Inc.’s goal is to acquire new customers with their development and targeted market in the USA and production in Mexico. Rutronik has already been locally present in Mexico since 2008, with the branch office opened in Querétaro. Thanks to the close cooperation between the subsidiaries in the USA and Asia, Rutronik is in a position to promote American designs produced in Asia universally. The items will then be delivered from the scheduled new warehouse in the USA, from Europe, or from Asia depending on the requirements.
With his distribution expertise, Shafer will be responsible for the North America department functionality of Rutronik Inc. as Vice President. Mr. Shafer has been working in the electronic distribution industry for over 30 years, holding various managerial positions in which he was responsible for both the American market and international business.
“The presence in North America represents the last big step for Rutronik towards becoming a true global distributor, and I am delighted to have the task of rolling out Rutronik’s recipe for success and a Commitment to Excellence in North America,” explained Shafer. “We are sure that our customers here will also be delighted by the excellent service we offer, supported by the long-term, solid cooperation with quality manufacturers.”
Rutronik Elektronische Bauelemente GmbH has more than 70 branches in more than 30 countries in North America, Asia, and Europe. The company was established in 1973, employs more than 1,300 staff worldwide and achieved Group sales of around $825 million in the 2014 fiscal year. With a comprehensive portfolio of semiconductors, passive and electromechanical components, boards, storage, displays, and wireless products, Rutronik supplies customers from the automotive, medical, industrial, home appliance, energy, and lighting industries. Thanks to a centralized organizational and IT structure, customers benefit from worldwide technical, commercial and logistics support with globally standardized services and processes.
