Sonepar plans to spend over half a billion dollars to deploy artificial intelligence and other digital technologies “at scale” across its global footprint over the next five years, the electrical distribution giant announced Wednesday.
Sonepar President and CEO Philippe Delpech announced the 500 million euro initiative — or roughly $560 million — during the company’s annual Strategic Supplier Summit in Paris. The company said that the announcement represents “one of the most ambitious investments in artificial intelligence in the electrical distribution sector,” and that AI would help Sonepar forecast demand, optimize inventory, personalize customer experiences, automate routine tasks, and advance its sustainability initiatives.
Ultimately, officials said, the program aims to support its customers’ energy transition efforts.
"The real challenge of electrifying the world lies in our collective ability to deliver at scale. This requires high-performing infrastructure, a resilient supply chain, and advanced capabilities in data and artificial intelligence,” Delpech said. “With this 500 million euro investment program, we are taking a new step forward in making AI a performance driver that benefits our customers, suppliers and associates alike.”
Sonepar officials noted that the company has spent more than $3.9 to overhaul its business model over the past five years, including $2.8 billion on its supply chain and $1.1 billion on digital transformation.
