RS Components
RS Components GmbH is a German B2B distributor of industrial and electronic products, part of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), serving manufacturers, engineers, and large enterprise accounts across DACH with 875,000+ in-stock SKUs, next-day delivery, and value-added services including calibration and managed inventory.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1930
- HeadquartersBad Hersfeld, Germany
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What RS Components does
RS Components GmbH is the German operating subsidiary of RS Group plc, a London-listed (LSE: RS1) global high-service distributor of industrial and electronic products. Founded in 1930 and headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, the German entity operates the de.rs-online.com e-commerce platform and serves industrial customers across the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) as part of a broader 33-market, 8,700-employee global footprint. The core business distributes over 875,000 in-stock products plus an extended range of 5 million products sourced from more than 2,500 suppliers, with the Bad Hersfeld distribution center—housing Germany's largest multishuttle system—serving as the European logistics hub enabling next-day delivery.
The revenue model is anchored in B2B industrial product distribution, augmented by the RS PRO private-label brand (80,000+ products with the RS Seal of Approval), the DesignSpark free design-tool ecosystem (launched 2010), and value-added services including calibration, e-procurement integration, and managed inventory solutions (ScanStock, VendStock, ControlStock). The Better World sub-brand bundles sustainable products including PFAS-free lubricants and bioremediation cleaning systems. Customers span industrial manufacturers, design engineers, makers, and large multinational accounts requiring procurement integration.
The go-to-market combines an e-commerce-led digital storefront with technical field sales teams and account managers serving enterprise customers. Pricing is quote-based and B2B-negotiated with standard net 30 payment terms. The parent group reported £2,881 million in revenue for FY2026 (year ending March 2026); the German subsidiary's individual revenue is not separately disclosed. Recent strategic direction emphasizes automation portfolio expansion (partnerships with Phoenix Contact, ABB, B&R, Leuze, SMC, Hilscher), sustainability leadership (EcoVadis Platinum, CDP A-List, SBTi-validated targets), and embedded computing (Arduino Master Distributor), following the 2023 Distrelec acquisition.
RS Components firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- RS Components
- Legal name
- RS Components GmbH
- Website
- https://de.rs-online.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1930
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- RS Components GmbH is a German B2B distributor of industrial and electronic products, part of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), serving manufacturers, engineers, and large enterprise accounts across DACH with 875,000+ in-stock SKUs, next-day delivery, and value-added services including calibration and managed inventory.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
RS Components industry classification
Industry- NAICS
- Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers (423430)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Electronic Parts & Equipment, Nec (5065), Computer Peripheral Equipment, Nec (3577)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Electronic Components (Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors) Retail (CRACAKAA)
Keywords
Where RS Components is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bad Hersfeld
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
RS Components business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Industrial & Electronics Product Sales: Core revenue from distributing over 875,000 in-stock industrial products and 5 million extended-range products sourced from 2,500+ suppliers. Revenue is generated through direct product sales via e-commerce and account sales. The RS PRO private label (80,000+ products) adds margin differentiation.
- Service Solutions: Revenue from value-added services including calibration services, e-procurement solutions, design and manufacturing solutions (additive manufacturing), and managed inventory services (ScanStock, VendStock, ControlStock).
- Next-Day Delivery and Logistics Services: Revenue generated from logistics and delivery services, including next-day delivery capabilities enabled by extensive distribution center infrastructure, particularly the Bad Hersfeld distribution center.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Monthly | Standard B2B pricing with net 30 payment terms |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
RS Components product offering
Product offeringCore offering
RS Components is a high-service omnichannel distributor of industrial and electronic products, offering over 875,000 in-stock items plus an extended range of 5 million products from 2,500+ suppliers across 33 markets. Its core offering combines the RS PRO private-label range (80,000+ certified products), the DesignSpark free design software ecosystem, and value-added services such as ISO/DAkkS calibration, e-procurement integration, and managed inventory (ScanStock, VendStock, ControlStock).
Product overview
RS Components is a global high-service omnichannel distributor of industrial products and services, serving companies that develop, build, maintain, and protect industrial equipment and facilities. The core portfolio spans over 875,000 industrial products and specialty items held in stock, plus an extended range of five million products sourced from more than 2,500 suppliers, available across 33 markets with next-day delivery. The offering is organized around a platform-plus-services model: the RS Components e-commerce platform (de.rs-online.com/web) serves as the primary ordering and discovery interface, supported by the RS PRO private-label brand (80,000+ products carrying the RS Seal of Approval), the DesignSpark ecosystem (free PCB and mechanical design software tools launched in 2010, with DesignSpark Mechanical as an official RS PRO partner), and a suite of value-added services including calibration (ISO/DAkkS-certified), e-procurement solutions, and manufacturing/fabrication support. Vendor-managed inventory services (RS ScanStock, RS VendStock, RS ControlStock) sit alongside the core distribution model. The Better World sub-brand (encompassing sustainable, circular economy, and eco-certified products including PFAS-free ROCOL lubricants) extends the portfolio into ESG-aligned purchasing. Key product distribution partnerships include Siemens (LOGO! controllers), ABB (ACS480 drives), HellermannTyton, Loctite, Phoenix Contact, Leuze, B&R, CRC (SMARTWASHER SW-33), Hilscher, and Traceparts (CAD downloads). The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange (RS1) and reported revenue of £2,881 million for FY ending March 2026.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- RS PRO: Own-brand product range comprising over 80,000 high-quality, competitively priced industrial products and electronic components. All RS PRO products carry the RS Seal of Approval, representing leading industry standards in audit, inspection, testing, and certification.
- DesignSpark
- OKdo
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 875,000 industrial products and special items available from stock, with extended range of 5 million products from 2,500+ suppliers
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use RS Components
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments3 records
RS Components technology and API
TechnologyAPI detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
RS Components partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- ZANDER AACHENcoreZANDER AACHEN and RS expanded their partnership in the field of industrial control cabinet components, strengthening the joint product offering for control cabinet builders and industrial customers in the DACH region.
- CRC EuropecorePartnership with CRC Europe to supply the SMARTWASHER SW-33, a solvent-free parts cleaning system using naturally occurring microorganisms. The bioremediation-based cleaning solution targets industrial maintenance and food & beverage applications. CRC products are supplied exclusively through RS.
- DesignSpark MechanicalcoreRS PRO became an official partner of DesignSpark Mechanical, integrating the RS PRO brand into the DesignSpark Mechanical 3D CAD software platform, enabling engineers to access and use RS PRO components directly within the design environment.
- ArduinocoreArduino appointed RS as Master Distributor for the Arduino UNO Q, a new compact single-board computer positioned to revolutionize the SBC market.
- LeuzecoreRS expanded its automation profile by adding Leuze to its supply program. Leuze specializes in sensor and safety technology for industrial automation applications.
- Phoenix ContactcoreRS has significantly expanded its partnership with Phoenix Contact, strengthening its offering of automation and control components. Phoenix Contact is a leading manufacturer of components, systems, and solutions in the field of electrical automation.
- B&R (Beckhoff & Röthig / B&R Industrial)coreRS and B&R formalized a cooperation, expanding the product range and deepening collaboration in industrial automation solutions.
- HilschercoreRS entered a comprehensive partnership with Hilscher for the European market. Hilscher provides communication solutions, gateways, and network interfaces for industrial automation and IoT applications.
- HelmholzminorHelmholz, a product specialist for automation projects, joined the RS product range, enriching the offering with specialized automation components.
- SMCcoreRS expanded its partnership with SMC, a leading manufacturer of pneumatic and air preparation equipment for industrial automation.
- SolarAidcoreSolarAid is RS Group's new global charity partner, elected by RS employees worldwide with 43% of votes. SolarAid's mission is to provide rural African communities with clean, solar-powered light and to replace toxic kerosene lamps. The partnership aligns with RS's goal to improve living conditions and create a sustainable future.
- LightcycleminorRS is a proud member of the Lightcycle collective take-back system for luminaires. Through participation in 2024, 5,411 tonnes of end-of-life lamps were collected and properly recycled, fulfilling obligations under the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act.
- SiemenscoreRS and Siemens have close collaboration on sustainability, particularly regarding the Better World product range. ESG strategies of both companies are very similar, making it easy to take common paths, learn from each other, and develop together. Interview with product managers highlights joint efforts on sustainable product development.
- ROCOLminorRS offers PFAS-free lubricants from ROCOL for the food industry. ROCOL is the first manufacturer with new NSF-537 certification confirming PFAS-free status. RS provides these products to support food industry customers in meeting stricter EU regulations.
- TracepartscoreRS and Traceparts support engineers and technicians through a ten-year partnership with millions of CAD downloads. The partnership provides seamless access to CAD models and technical drawings for RS products via the Traceparts platform.
- ABBcoreRS significantly expanded its partnership with ABB on the German market. ABB provides technologies for electrification and automation, covering areas such as electric drives and power distribution.
- HAUBER-ElektronikminorRS Components and HAUBER-Elektronik agreed a partnership for the DACH market, expanding the product portfolio with HAUBER's electronics products.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
RS Components competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Arrow Electronics: Arrow is a large global distributor of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions serving industrial and commercial customers. Comparable on broad-line electronic distribution, but with a wider portfolio including enterprise IT services beyond RS's industrial focus.
- Avnet: Avnet is a broad-line global electronics distributor and parent of Farnell, competing across components, embedded solutions, and IT services. Comparable on industrial and electronic distribution, with a wider portfolio spanning enterprise computing.
Direct peers
- TTI Inc. TTI specializes in passive, connector, electromechanical, and discrete component distribution with a strong industrial customer base. Highly comparable to RS on B2B industrial distribution, though narrower in product scope.
- Farnell / element14: Farnell (owned by Avnet) is one of the most direct competitors to RS, distributing electronic components and industrial products with similar B2B catalogs, e-commerce platforms, and the element14 community for engineers. Highly comparable on business model, customer base, and product breadth.
- Mouser Electronics: Mouser is a major global distributor of electronic components and semiconductors with broad catalog depth and strong relationships with engineers and makers. Direct peer on product category, B2B e-commerce model, and target customers.
- Digi-Key Electronics: Digi-Key is a leading global electronic component distributor with very deep SKU breadth, strong engineer mindshare, and broad B2B reach. Directly comparable on product category, customer persona (design engineers), and omnichannel distribution model.
Regional players
- Conrad Electronic: Conrad Electronic is a leading European (German-headquartered) distributor of electronic and industrial components serving B2B and prosumer customers. Comparable on product range and target market, with particularly strong overlap in the DACH region.
- Heiden Electric: Heiden Electric is a German electrical wholesaler serving industrial customers with a broad components and equipment portfolio. Regional peer with comparable customer base (DACH industrial) and overlapping product categories.
- Bürklin: Bürklin is a German specialty distributor of electronic and electromechanical components targeting professional buyers, engineers, and industrial customers. Comparable on product category and B2B industrial customer focus, primarily serving the German-speaking market.
Emerging players
- Würth Elektronik: Würth Elektronik is both a major electronic component manufacturer and distributor serving industrial customers globally. Comparable on electronic component distribution to industrial customers, with the additional dimension of being a major supplier to RS.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
RS Components social profiles
Digital presenceRS Components compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance9 records
RS Components financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
RS Components leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
RS Components funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
RS Components M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about RS Components
What does RS Components do?
RS Components is a high-service omnichannel distributor of industrial and electronic products, offering over 875,000 in-stock items plus an extended range of 5 million products from 2,500+ suppliers across 33 markets. Its core offering combines the RS PRO private-label range (80,000+ certified products), the DesignSpark free design software ecosystem, and value-added services such as ISO/DAkkS calibration, e-procurement integration, and managed inventory (ScanStock, VendStock, ControlStock).
Is RS Components a public or private company?
RS Components is a private company. It is currently operating.
When was RS Components founded?
RS Components was founded in 1930. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is RS Components based?
RS Components is headquartered in Bad Hersfeld, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does RS Components make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Industrial & Electronics Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are service Solutions and next-Day Delivery and Logistics Services.
Who are RS Components's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Arrow Electronics and Avnet. Direct peers are TTI Inc., Farnell / element14, Mouser Electronics and Digi-Key Electronics. Regional players are Conrad Electronic, Heiden Electric and Bürklin. Würth Elektronik is listed as an emerging player.
Does RS Components have an API?
No public API is recorded for RS Components.
What industry is RS Components in?
Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRACAKAA, Electronic Components (Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors) Retail. Its NAICS code is 423430 and its SIC code is 5065.