Farnell, the Development Distributor, was named High Service Distributor of the year for 2019 by Panasonic at the Panasonic Distribution Conference in Munich, on 21 November 2019. The award, for Farnell’s business in EMEA, recognises Farnell’s continued investment in the Panasonic range and business performance in the year.
Farnell doubled its level of inventory of Panasonic products in the last 18 months, including key New Product Introductions such as Panasonic’s range of Anti-vibration capacitors. This increased inventory, coupled with Farnell’s service proposition in Europe, including local sales teams, next day delivery and 24/5 technical support enabled Farnell to deliver for more Panasonic customers than any other distributor during the period.
The extension of Farnell’s Panasonic range follows significant investment in the business since acquisition by Avnet in 2016. Farnell now has the widest range of Panasonic parts of any High Service Distributor. Farnell has also invested $60m in a new distribution centre in Leeds, United Kingdom, which will be fully operational from early 2020. The new distribution centre will enable full Date & Lot code for Panasonic products and double Farnell’s capacity to ship products to customers on a daily basis.
Chris Breslin, President of Farnell, Global said “Farnell and Panasonic have built a strong relationship over many years, based on delivering value for Farnell customers and Panasonic. Our significant investment in inventory depth and breadth mean we can support Panasonic customers throughout the full product cycle, with no minimum order quantity, and a range of packaging options. We are delighted to have received this important award from Panasonic, recognising the strength of our relationship, multichannel route to market, product range and service proposition for customers.”
Maximilian Jacob, Department Head, Distribution division at Panasonic said of the Award: “We are very grateful to have a long term continued partnership with Farnell. We see them as a true innovator and contribute with continued investment to become our biggest high service partner in Panasonic components. We look forward to continue working with Farnell in the future to continue with the success and growth within this fast-paced and inspiring industry.”
Panasonic products are available with next day delivery in Europe from Farnell