RS India has been at the forefront of the industrial and electronic distribution sector, growing steadily over the past three decades. From its humble beginnings with a revenue of INR 1.02 crore in 1994-95 to INR 125 crore in 2024, the company has built a strong foundation through strategic innovation, customer-centric solutions, and operational excellence. In this exclusive interview with Amit Agnihotri, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, we delve into the company’s growth journey, strategic initiatives, sustainability commitments, digital transformation, and plans.
RS Components & Controls (India) Ltd, the Indian subsidiary of RS Group plc, is a prominent distributor of industrial and electronic products. It offers innovative solutions to diverse sectors. Established in 1937 as Radiospares in London, RS Group has evolved significantly over the decades, broadening its portfolio from radio repair parts to a comprehensive array of electronic components, automation and control equipment, test and measurement devices, and engineering tools and consumables.
Originally listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1967 as Electrocomponents plc, the company underwent significant rebranding in 2022, emerging as RS Group plc, which reflects its commitment to a global vision and advanced industrial solutions. Currently, RS India plays a crucial role in providing high-quality products, complimentary doorstep delivery, and exceptional service, ensuring businesses across the country have access to the finest industrial and electronic components.
As part of its global growth strategy, RS Group plc has invested over £850 million since 2019 in mergers and acquisitions, thus strengthening its market position and product offerings. Operating in 31 countries and serving over a million customers worldwide, the company remains dedicated to sustainability and responsible business practices.
The Growth Journey of RS India
RS India has witnessed remarkable growth since its inception, with its revenue increasing from INR 1.02 crore in 1994-95 to an impressive INR 125 crore by 2024. Amit Agnihotri attributes this success to a well-defined strategic business approach centred on targeting Industrial MRO customers, supporting their R&D and small-volume production needs, and providing a distinctive selling proposition of flexible procurement with no minimum order quantity or value.
“To remain competitive in the market, we have been continually enhancing our product range, introducing over 5,000 new products each month,” shares Amit Agnihotri. RS India has also expanded its service solutions through eProcurement and Vendor Consolidation strategies. Operational excellence is a vital focus, and the company ensures this through effective inventory planning and a commitment to a four-day delivery from the UK.
Customer satisfaction lies at the core of RS India’s growth. “Above all, we have made concerted efforts to enhance our customer experience, as we believe that a satisfied customer is the most effective business strategy of all,” Amit emphasises. RS India’s strategic partnerships with IITs, state universities, engineering colleges, and global collaborations with Fluke and Tektronix have further solidified its position. Moreover, the company’s RS Pro range has achieved over 50% growth by providing high-quality product alternatives without compromising on performance.
RS India aims to sustain its momentum by focusing on key industries such as Medical Electronics, Railways, and Automotive while investing in people development through training, skill enhancement, and talent acquisition.
Expanding Growth Strategies for the Next Decade
As the Indian industrial sector evolves, RS India prepares for long-term sustainable growth. “At RS India, we plan to sustain our growth by adhering to our strategic plan,” says Amit Agnihotri. This includes expanding into emerging technologies such as Electric Vehicles and Data Centres while introducing new product lines to meet the diverse demands of the market.
A significant part of this strategy involves enhancing supply chain capabilities, harmonising processes, upgrading IT infrastructure, and leveraging advanced data analytics. “Recognizing the importance of digital transformation, we plan to invest in digital solutions to meet our customers’ evolving needs,” he explains. The company has focused on initiatives like the RS Mobile App, website enhancements, and AI-powered search capabilities for a more personalised customer experience.
Collaboration will remain key. “By working closely with stakeholders, we will address emerging challenges and seize new opportunities, ensuring that India’s electronics industry is marked by innovation, efficiency, and sustainability,” Amit adds.
Commitment to Sustainability and ESG Initiatives
RS India is deeply committed to sustainability, with its ‘For a Better World’ 2030 ESG action plan at the centre of its long-term goals. “Our commitment to sustainability is unwavering, focusing on reducing our environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly products,” states Amit Agnihotri.
The company has established ambitious sustainability targets, including achieving net zero emissions in its direct operations by 2030 and across its value chain by 2050. It has also made significant progress in reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 61% (excluding acquisitions) and 57% (including acquisitions) since 2019/20. Currently, 90% of RS Group’s electricity is sourced from renewable sources.
Further efforts include reducing packaging intensity by 35%, with 94% of packaging now reusable or recyclable, and achieving 82% waste recycling in 2023/24. The company has also reduced logistics emissions intensity by 26% since 2019/20. Notably, 37 distribution sites (covering 59% of floor area) are certified under ISO 14001 environmental management standards.
To enhance its ESG offerings, RS India now provides 30,000 products from over 100 suppliers in its Better World product range, with 52% of suppliers holding an EcoVadis rating to ensure high ESG performance. “Sustainability plays a crucial role in technological advancement, and we remain committed to supporting the growth of India’s electronics sector,” shares Amit.
Enhancing Customer Experience with the RS Mobile App
The RS Mobile App is essential to RS India’s digital transformation strategy and is designed to improve customer procurement efficiency. “The RS Mobile App plays a significant role in enhancing customer experience and advancing RS India’s growth strategy,” Mr Agnihotri explains.
The app offers seamless access to over 750,000 products, real-time stock updates, pricing information, and instant access to product details. By providing on-the-go procurement capabilities, it reinforces RS India’s commitment to operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and technical innovation.
The Next 5–10 Years: Supporting ‘Make in India’ and Beyond
India’s electronics industry is experiencing robust growth, propelled by advancements in green energy, electric vehicles, 5G, IoT, and industrial automation. “The government’s £15 billion investment in semiconductor plants and initiatives under the Make in India project will further drive growth,” notes Amit Agnihotri.
RS India is dedicated to enhancing local procurement and supply chain capabilities to support this national vision. The company is bolstering its R&D support with no MOQ/MOV policies and investing in expedited supply chain solutions for critical applications. “We are improving inventory forecasting grounded in historical procurement data and fostering robust supplier relationships to provide holistic solutions rather than merely products,” he explains.
As railways, ports, and utilities undergo infrastructure improvements, RS India anticipates an increase in demand for electronic components. “Supporting Make in India goes beyond procurement. Our objectives include industrial procurement innovation, inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability,” he states. “We will continue to invest in supply chain enhancements and digital solutions to meet the evolving needs of the industry.” By collaborating with stakeholders, RS India aims to tackle challenges, capitalise on opportunities, and shape the future of the Indian electronics sector.
With a solid foundation, a customer-centric vision, and a commitment to sustainability, RS India is well-positioned for a transformative decade ahead. The company reinforces its leadership in India’s industrial and electronic distribution sector by concentrating on emerging technologies, digital advancements, ESG initiatives, and supply chain innovation.
“As the industry evolves, we will collaborate with stakeholders to tackle challenges and seize opportunities, ensuring RS India remains at the forefront of innovation, efficiency, and responsible business practices,” Amit Agnihotri concludes.
