Sterkelec
Sterkelec is a French technical distributor, founded in 1991 and based near Nantes, that sells industrial automation equipment — including Rockwell Automation controls, Universal Robots cobots, and Cognex vision systems — to industrial manufacturers and systems integrators across Western France, supported by application engineering and training services.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1991
- HeadquartersLes Sorinières, France
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Sterkelec does
Sterkelec is a French technical distributor of industrial automation equipment, founded in 1991 and headquartered in Les Sorinières, near Nantes. The company holds authorized distribution agreements with three tier-one principals — Rockwell Automation (since 2005), Universal Robots (Western France, since 2019), and Cognex (machine vision) — within a broader portfolio of 32 distributed manufacturer brands. Its customer base consists of industrial manufacturers and robotics/automation systems integrators located primarily in Western France, served through four offices (Nantes HQ, Rennes, Tours, and Pau/Bordeaux region).
The company's offering spans programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), variable speed drives, collaborative robots, and machine vision systems. Beyond pure hardware resale, Sterkelec delivers value-added technical services, including a dedicated Vision Laboratory at Nantes for application co-development, application engineering, an accredited training center for its represented brands, and after-sales support. The company is ISO 9001 V2000 certified and is staffed by 7 application engineers plus a 14-person commercial team (4 inside sales, 10 field sales).
Sterkelec operates a hybrid distribution-plus-technical-services model. The primary revenue stream is hardware resale across the 32-brand catalog, supplemented by technical services (application engineering, integration support, training, and proof-of-concept work). Geographic coverage of Western France is delivered through the multi-branch office network, which functions as the platform for pre- and post-sale technical support. The business is privately held with no disclosed parent company.
Sterkelec firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sterkelec
- Legal name
- Sterkelec
- Website
- https://sterkelec.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1991
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Sterkelec is a French technical distributor, founded in 1991 and based near Nantes, that sells industrial automation equipment — including Rockwell Automation controls, Universal Robots cobots, and Cognex vision systems — to industrial manufacturers and systems integrators across Western France, supported by application engineering and training services.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Sterkelec is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Les Sorinières
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
Sterkelec business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Equipment Distribution: Sale of industrial automation equipment including PLCs, sensors, vision systems, motion control components, and safety equipment from manufacturer partners. Products are sold directly to industrial customers.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels2 records
Sterkelec product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sterkelec is a technical distributor of industrial automation, process control, and electronic equipment, selling a portfolio of automation components from approximately 32 manufacturer brands to industrial manufacturers and robotics integrators across Western France. The company complements its product distribution with pre-sales consulting, free feasibility studies, an in-house Vision Laboratory, and an ISO 9001 V2000 certified training center for automation systems.
Product overview
Sterkelec is a technical distributor of industrial automation equipment, process automation systems, and electronics based in Les Sorinières, France, serving the Brittany and Pays de Loire regions. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of distributed products organized into main categories: Automation (Rockwell programmable controllers, Weidmuller components, Beijer HMIs), Vision (Cognex vision systems and TPL Vision lighting), Collaborative Robotics (Universal Robots cobots and Robotiq accessories), Motion (Wittenstein gearboxes, Rollon linear systems), Cabling (Panduit, Weidmuller, Murrtechnic), Instrumentation (Baumer sensors), and Electronics (Elka power supplies). The company provides technical feasibility studies, free project analysis, and ISO 9001 certified training services to support its product distribution business.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Industrial Automation Equipment Distribution Core distribution business supplying industrial automation, process control, and electronics equipment from multiple international manufacturers to industrial manufacturers and robotics integrators in Brittany and Pays de Loire.
- Rockwell Automation Products Distribution of Rockwell (Allen-Bradley) automation products including ControlLogix and CompactLogix programmable controllers, I/O modules, EtherNet/IP networks, power switching, safety components, HMIs, and Kinetix motion control systems for industrial manufacturers.
- Cognex Vision Systems Distribution of Cognex industrial vision sensors, vision systems, 3D-A5000 matrix cameras, 3D-A1000 dimensional measurement systems, and 3D laser profiling systems for quality inspection and automation.
- Universal Robots Collaborative Robotics Distribution of Universal Robots collaborative robots (cobots) including the UR20, with Robotiq plug-and-play components, software, and application kits for industrial automation tasks.
- Beijer HMI Terminals Distribution of Beijer Electronics HMI product range including X2 Base, X2 Pro, X2 Control, X2 Extreme, and X2 Marine ranges, along with IX HMI software and Tosibox remote access solutions.
- Baumer Sensors and Instrumentation Distribution of Baumer encoders (absolute and incremental), detectors, level measurement, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, conductivity meters, force detectors, and electronic process displays.
- Weidmuller Industrial Components Distribution of Weidmuller switching power supplies, remote I/O modules, Ethernet switches, connectors, relays, identification systems, and measurement converters.
- Wittenstein Motion Systems Distribution of Wittenstein precision gearboxes including angular reducers, planetary gearboxes, linear systems, mechatronic system solutions, and stage and lifting technology.
- Rollon Linear Motion Distribution of Rollon linear motion components including Actuator Line, Linear Line, and Telescopic Line product families for industrial automation applications.
- Industrial Safety Components Distribution of safety products including presence detection devices, safety switches, safety relays, electromagnetic door locks, and safety connection systems from multiple brands including Guardmaster, Schmersal, Steute, and Bircher.
- Panduit Cabling Solutions Distribution of Panduit installation and wiring cable ties, stainless steel ties, food-grade detectable ties, chemical-resistant ties, and identification products.
- Elka Power Supplies Distribution of Elka regulated backup power supplies (MB series), DIN rail power supplies (JS series), converters, industrial power supplies, and transformers.
- Technical Support and Training Services Technical assistance hotline based in Nantes, pre-sales consulting, free feasibility studies for automation projects including axis management, and ISO 9001 V2000 certified training programs on partner products and industrial automation systems.
Companies that use Sterkelec
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Sterkelec technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability1 record
Feature3 records
Sterkelec partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and standard.
- Rockwell AutomationcoreTechnical distributor of Rockwell (Allen-Bradley) automation products since 2005. Products include PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix), safety controllers (GuardLogix), HMI, motion control (Kinetix), and industrial networks (EtherNet/IP).
- Universal RobotscoreAuthorized UR distributor for Western France regions (22-29-35-56-44-85) since 2019. Distributes collaborative robots and accessories including Robotiq plug-and-play components, software, and application kits.
- CognexcoreVision systems specialist. Distributes Cognex vision sensors, vision systems, 3D cameras (3D-A5000), and 3D profiling systems. Bordeaux office opened in 2018 specifically to develop Cognex vision systems business.
- PhotoneocoreVision-guided robotics solutions provider. Distributed to complement vision systems portfolio.
- WeidmullermajorIndustrial connectivity and automation components including power supplies, remote I/O, switches, connectors, relays, and identification systems.
- PanduitmajorWiring and cabling solutions including cable ties, identification products, stainless steel ties, and chemical-resistant ties for industrial applications.
- Beijer ElectronicsmajorHMI products including X2 Base, X2 Pro, X2 Control, X2 Extreme, and X2 Marine ranges. Also provides IX HMI software and Tosibox remote access solutions.
- BaumermajorSensors and encoders including absolute and incremental encoders, inductive and photoelectric sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and instrumentation for level, temperature, pressure, and conductivity measurement.
- PatlitestandardLED signal towers, audible signaling devices, and industrial LED lighting solutions for factory automation.
- WittensteinstandardPrecision gearboxes and linear systems including angular gearboxes, planetary gearboxes, and mechatronic system solutions for motion applications.
- RollonstandardLinear motion components including actuator lines, linear guides, and telescopic systems for industrial automation.
- SteutestandardWireless switches, safety pedals, safety interlocks, and belt misalignment detectors for industrial safety applications.
- SchmersalstandardSafety switches on hinges and safety interlock devices for machine safety applications.
- HengstlerstandardCounters and incremental encoders for industrial counting and position measurement applications.
- MTLstandardIndustrial PCs (Challenger PC, ATEX PCs), galvanic isolators, Zener barriers, and surge protection for process industries.
- MurrtechnicstandardCable protection systems including corrugated tubes, cable carriers, cable entry systems, and robot cables for industrial applications.
- BircherstandardSafety edges, safety mats, motion detectors, loop detectors, and control devices for door and gate automation safety.
- TPL VisionstandardIndustrial lighting for vision systems including bars, backlights, ring lights, spots, domes, and diffuse lighting.
- ElkastandardPower supplies including regulated backup power supplies (MB series), DIN rail power supplies (JS series), converters, and transformers.
- MURRPLASTIKstandardCable carriers and cable protection systems for robotic applications and automated machinery.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Sterkelec competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Sonepar: Global leader in B2B electrical equipment distribution, headquartered in France, with broad industrial automation exposure and much larger scale; overlaps with Sterkelec in industrial components and electrical equipment for industrial customers.
- Conrad Electronic: European electronic components and industrial automation distributor with French operations, offering a comparable portfolio of automation, sensing, and connectivity products with e-commerce-led distribution.
- Hager Group: European electrical installations and building automation solutions provider with industrial-adjacent product portfolio (controls, distribution components) and French/European distribution channels serving similar B2B industrial customers.
- Rexel: Global B2B distributor of electrical, lighting, and energy solutions with French HQ and a substantial industrial automation product offering; competes for similar industrial B2B customers but at much larger scale and broader scope.
- RS Group (RS Components): Global industrial and electronic product distributor with significant French operations, offering overlapping industrial automation, sensors, and components via catalog and e-commerce. Larger scale and digital-first model make it a broad incumbent competitor.
Emerging players
- Automation24: Digital-first industrial automation e-distributor (German origin, French-localized) competing on the same automation product categories (PLCs, sensors, motion) with streamlined e-commerce pricing model that challenges traditional field-sales distributors.
Direct peers
- Distrame: French industrial automation and electronic component distributor with similar technical sales model and overlapping brand portfolio (Rockwell, Schneider, automation components), directly comparable as a domestic French automation distributor serving industrial customers.
- Radwell International: Industrial automation parts distributor (new and surplus) for PLCs, drives, motors, and motion control across Rockwell, Cognex, and similar brands, representing a comparable distribution-focused business model globally.
- CIMTEC: French automation distributor specializing in industrial automation and robotics, with comparable product categories (PLCs, vision, motion) and a similar value-added technical-support business model serving French manufacturers.
- ERIKH (France operations): European industrial MRO and automation product distributor with comparable focus on technical components (sensors, drives, controls) for industrial customers across multiple European geographies.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Sterkelec social profiles
Digital presenceSterkelec compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Sterkelec financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sterkelec leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Sterkelec funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sterkelec 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 Sterkelec
What does Sterkelec do?
Sterkelec is a technical distributor of industrial automation, process control, and electronic equipment, selling a portfolio of automation components from approximately 32 manufacturer brands to industrial manufacturers and robotics integrators across Western France. The company complements its product distribution with pre-sales consulting, free feasibility studies, an in-house Vision Laboratory, and an ISO 9001 V2000 certified training center for automation systems.
Is Sterkelec a public or private company?
Sterkelec is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Sterkelec founded?
Sterkelec was founded in 1991. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Sterkelec based?
Sterkelec is headquartered in Les Sorinières, France, in the Europe region.
How does Sterkelec make money?
One revenue line is on record: equipment Distribution.
Who are Sterkelec's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Sonepar, Conrad Electronic, Hager Group, Rexel and RS Group (RS Components). Automation24 is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Distrame, Radwell International, CIMTEC and ERIKH (France operations).
Does Sterkelec have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sterkelec.