European engineers have another source for their sample and prototyping components. Mouser Electronics has opened an office in Maisach-Gemlinen close to Munich, and it will roll out in other major European markets early next year.
Mouser likes to be known for quote - its rapid introduction of the newest products - unquote. One way it does this according to Mark Burr-Lonnon, vice president, Europe, who was in London yesterday to launch the European venture, is by publishing a new catalogue, which runs to over 2,100 pages of products from Mouser's 366 suppliers (it may have gone up by the time you read this) every 90 days outstripping the other major catalogue competitors. Burr-Lonnon has done the research and even in this online age, many, many engineers like the print catalogues.
Initially European customer support will cover quick quotes and bill of materials advice. Technical support will be covered from Mouser's US headquarters and another technical support centre in Asia. "That way we can cover the European working hours," says Burr-Lonnon.
Inventory will be shipped from Mouser's 28 acre facility in Mansfield, Texas. The company has run delivery trials to Europe and have been pleased, and a touch surprised to find they are beating local suppliers on delivery times.
Mouser has been limbering up for this move by adding new suppliers, particluarly in the semiconductor sector. Actel, Atmel, Infineon, NXP and Toshiba have all signed up with the Texas-based company.
Customers don't seem to be too much of a problem either. Burr-Lonnon says they add 430 new customers a day.
Once the German operation is established, Burr-Lonnon expects to start UK operations in the first quarter of 2009 with France following in the second quarter. East Europe is also on the agenda for later next year.
Mouser will also leverage its links with sister company, the IP&E distributor TTI. They will work together where possible to deliver parts from concept, which is where Mouser operates to volume production which TTI's bailiwick.
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