When sourcing electronic components, one decision can make the difference between a successful product and a costly recall: choosing a franchised distributor.
Franchised distributors are officially authorized by the manufacturers they represent. This means every part is shipped directly from the factory or through a traceable and fully vetted supply chain. In industries like aerospace, defense, industrial automation, and EV systems—where reliability is non-negotiable—using franchised sources isn’t just best practice, it’s essential.
The Risks of Non-Franchised or Grey Market Sources
While non-authorized sources may offer attractive pricing or availability, they introduce serious risks:
Counterfeit components:
These can look identical but fail under real-world conditions.
No traceability:
You lose the chain of custody, crucial for audits and certifications.
No manufacturer support:
Technical queries, replacements, and warranty support may be refused.
Inconsistent quality:
Re-marked or refurbished parts may not meet spec or environmental requirements.
The Benefits of Franchised Distribution
Choosing a franchised distributor ensures:
100% traceability – from manufacturer to delivery
Genuine parts – guaranteed by official authorization
Long-term support – including datasheets, PCNs, EOL notices, and design-in help
Certifications – aligned with ISO, AS9120, and defense compliance standards
Inventory transparency – with reliable lead times and lot control
Stable pricing – directly aligned with factory programs and pricing tiers
At Powell-Europe, we work exclusively with franchised sources like Glenair, Amphenol, Samtec, Honeywell, and more. Whether you're building mission-critical aerospace systems or robust industrial platforms, our commitment to traceable, genuine components gives you peace of mind—and a reliable supply chain.
