Routeco Know How
Decades of real-world expertise, applied for measurable impact.
At Routeco, we support leading global technology manufacturers with an extensive team of technical specialists, along with proven tools for growth – all focused on strengthening your bottom line.
Decades of expertise
Our knowledge is built on almost 50 years of delivering breakthrough results by combining technical insight with a deep understanding of our customers’ businesses. This is knowledge earned on the factory floor – and shared through technical workshops, customer investment programmes and industry leading training to keep you ahead.
We never stop asking “why”
The right solution begins with asking the right questions. We work out exactly what’s keeping our customers up at night. Then use that insight to deliver solutions as unique as the challenges they solve.
Practical support
Precision automation components are just the start. We also deliver software solutions, Vendor Managed Inventory, Kitting and flexible commercial options to enhance the performance of your business. Practical, empowering support.
Measurable impact
Everything we do is focused on results: reducing downtime, improving throughput, optimising energy use and unlocking efficiencies. More than technical distribution, these are measurable improvements in performance, productivity and profitability. Get our Know-How working for you. Talk to our experts.
Our Vision, Mission and Values
Vision
To be Europe’s leading industrial automation and controls specialist, combining seamless customer experiences with unmatched technical expertise, pioneering new technologies, and driving manufacturing excellence.
Mission
To be the first call for automation and control in every industry. By combining leading technologies with decades of deep technical expertise, we help simplify complexity and empower our customers to achieve excellence. With a commitment to ethics, trust, and continuous development, we deliver not only solutions, but also an effortless experience and lasting partnerships that make a real difference to businesses and people.
Values
Underpinning our vision and mission, is our values, Professionalism, Agility, Collaboration and Excellence, that define how we behave every day.
Quality Management Systems
Routeco are accredited with UKAS ISO 9001, the internationally recognised standard for quality management. It supports organisations to boost performance, exceed customer expectations and show their commitment to providing quality products and services.
Information Security Management Certification
Routeco are accredited with ISO 27001, a globally recognised standard that outlines the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS). This certification helps organisations mitigate the risks associated with breaches and cybercrime.
History
Where it all began...
Routeco was formed in 1978 as a multi-franchise industrial electrical distributor based in Milton Keynes. In those early days the company focused on electrical wholesale products such as lighting, cable and wiring accessories.
The 80s
Specialist technical distributor of industrial control and automation products.
In 1980 we were awarded an Allen-Bradley franchise for Milton Keynes and the surrounding area and several years later we were appointed as a Siemens distributor for switchgear and programmable logic controllers. It was during this time that the company changed direction from a general electrical wholesaler to a specialist technical distributor of industrial control and automation products. Success followed very rapidly and we expanded, opening our first sales outlet outside of Milton Keynes in Peterborough in 1989.
The 90s
Expanding and growing across the UK.
In 1990 the Peterborough branch became an exclusive distributor for Allen-Bradley products and during the next couple of years further sales outlets were opened in Manchester and Coventry.
In June 1992 we agreed a unique deal with Allen-Bradley to become an exclusive distributor throughout the Routeco organisation. New sales outlets were opened immediately across Southern England and the Midlands.
In 1996 we completed our first acquisition; Control Gear (electrical) Ltd to gain market presence in South Wales and this was quickly followed up by the opening of a new branch in Cardiff. Throughout the remainder of the 90s we continued to expand the business and opened further branches in the Midlands and the North of England.
In 1998 we formed Routeco GmbH based in Linz to serve the Austrian market with industrial control and automation products.
2000
We arrived in Scotland.
Early 2000 saw a continuation of the branch expansion strategy with a new branch being opened in Glasgow. Our presence in Scotland was further enhanced in 2003 with our second acquisition, Tricon Automation.
Throughout the next 10 years we continued to invest in Product Specialists and Technical Support personnel further enhancing our reputation as the UK’s leading technical distributor of industrial control and automation products.
2013
Routeco expand into the Netherlands.
In October 2013 Routeco continued its strategic expansion into European markets forming Routeco BV as the preferred Rockwell Automation channel serving the Netherlands market.
2014
Sonepar acquisition.
In October 2014 Sonepar, the global leader in electrical distribution with operations in 40 countries, completed an agreement to purchase the shares of Routeco Group Holdings Ltd. This acquisition underlines the ongoing efforts of Sonepar to strengthen its global position with entries into new countries as well as into the industrial automation market.
Routeco continues to operate as a separate business unit within Sonepar Northern Europe and the existing management team that has driven the development over the last 25 years remains in charge.
2020
Our Belgium office opens.
Routeco expands further in Europe by opening an office in Belgium. Routeco B.V. is Rockwell Automation's preferred distributor for the Belgian and Luxembourg market. Despite a global pandemic, by 2022 the team increased in size and moved to larger office space.
2022
A new UK acquisition.
In August, we announced a new strategic acquisition with AutoLogic Systems joining the Routeco Group.
AutoLogic Systems Ltd was founded in 1993 and is well established within the UK as a leading provider of simulation products, consulting and related services, serving primarily the manufacturing, transport and logistics sectors.
2023
A further expansion into Europe.
Swibox Automation was the authorised Rockwell Automation distributor for Switzerland and was acquired by Routeco combining aligned visions of offering a leading omnichannel customer experience. The addition to the Routeco Group complements existing European locations within the UK, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
