Since 1989, Astute has delivered on the values that remain at the core of its beliefs, those of quality and service. This approach has seen us develop relationships across the electronics world with OEMs and EMS providers alike, satisfying the electronic component demands of all types and sizes of business’ on all types and manufacturers of components. Astute now stands as one of the largest non-franchised distributors in the UK, employing over 95 people and with a turnover in 2008 of over £23m. An Asian sales office in Shanghai (China), our new sales office in Suffolk, Virginia and excess stock re-marketing through bespoke, 30,000sq/ft premises in Scotland are some of the innovative developments that position Astute as a flexible supply partner. We are also proud to announce the opening of our new test and logistics centre just outside London. As well as providing expansion to allow for the ever increasing flow of products through the business, we will also be able to be offer the very best in component verification via a test suite including XRF testing, de-capping, high intensity microscopes and X-Ray technology. ‘ASTUTE 3PL’ offers a full range of logistical services from basic kitting to full ‘total service’ options. Working from their premises at our Ware head office, we have employed experts in their fields to be able to discuss with you the solution best suited to your needs and product. As recognition of our attention to quality, Astute sought and achieved ISO9002 approval in 1991. We are currently working for our AS9000 accreditation and SC21 approval within the aerospace/avionics sectors. We are members of ERAI (the American non-franchised distributors group) and AFDEC (the UK industry’s distribution association) becoming their first, nonfranchised member in 2000. Recent investment of over £250k on high-tech test equipment has allowed us to operate a state-of-the art goods inspection process that places Astute as a supply partner to trust. We are proud to hold supply approvals from across the electronics sector, including many Defence, Aerospace and EMS companies alike. Our purchasing strength has enabled relationships to develop with over 90 manufacturers direct and 17 years of sourcing has given us the experience to locate any component from an approved network of quality conscious suppliers in the USA, Europe and the Far East, be it current, obsolete or just difficult to find. Advanced software ensures we are able to identify and support products long after their obsolescence. We would welcome the chance to discuss any of the above in more detail with you.