November 2014 is a milestone for Foremost Electronics, the Essex based specialist distributor and importer of electromechanical components, as they celebrate 25 years of Electronic Component sales in the UK.
Opening their doors for the first time on November 21st 1989 Foremost had sales of £10,000 in their first month. They started life with a predominately electromechanical product portfolio including MEC switches, C&K switches, CH Joysticks, Accord Keypads, Marquardt switches, Foremost was also part of the Quiller network of distributors and a Roxburgh distributor.
Foremost has achieved the position of the most dominant distributor of Multimec switches in the UK for many years. MEC Switches, one of the leading European manufacturers of high quality switches and their leading-edge design and the use of top quality materials has been a major factor in the continued success of their sales via Foremost
Foremost successfully weathered the recession of the early 90’s and has maintained a steady growth over the subsequent years. With a mix of extensive knowledge about the requirements of the UK electronics market, the ability to source high quality components and the flexibility to take advantage of new technologies and markets Foremost lead the way in specialist component distribution.
Some milestones in Foremost’s evolution include;
2006 – high sales growth as new franchise including Thermodisc, Binder, OCS Joysticks and Elma are signed
2007 – a major relocation to new 10,000 sq. ft. premises.
2008 – 2012 sales growth continued throughout the recession and difficult trading conditions.
2012 – became a UK channel partner for Schroff Pentair, the leading 19” cabinet and rack manufacturer.
2013 – became part of the Foremost Electronics Technology group Ltd “FETGL” along with EV Connectors.com.
2013 – saw the birth of micro web shops for vertical markets ipjoysticks.com – enclosures4u.com – rotaryswitchesonline.com – all part of the Foremost range of Buy Online product shops for product specific and niche markets
2014 – signed an agreement with the world leading NKK switches to become UK distributor.
2014 – further increased premises by an additional 5000 sq. ft. of warehouse space to accommodate the growth in Schroff Pentair and EV Connectors products.
2014 -2015 financial year will see the FETGL group sales exceed the £4m mark.
Alan Cook, managing director of Foremost Electronics, commented, “After twenty five years of effort we have a very well established place in the UK electronic component distribution market and are making inroads into some very specialised new market areas. This has been made possible by knowing our strengths and our place in the market, offering incomparable customer service and having the wholehearted support of eleven excellent members of staff who’s hard work has helped us achieve our goals. Without them we would not be where we are today.”
