In 2025, SOS electronic, a member of the Conrad Group, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Founded in Košice, Slovakia, a city of 250,000 people, the company has grown into a respected international leader in electronic component distribution. SOS electronic is trusted not only by customers around the world, but also by a network of global component manufacturers with renowned names such as Quectel, Sensirion, 2J Antennas, Wago, and Traco Power. The company supplies components to production facilities in virtually every European country and in a total of 110 countries worldwide.
Thanks to its broad product portfolio, the components supplied by SOS electronic are found in applications such as transport and automotive technologies, medical devices, retail, and agriculture. They are also integral to solutions in smart cities, smart buildings, communication, and security systems.
“We started out as a group of electronics enthusiasts with big dreams and a single brick-and-mortar branch. Today, we are part of one of the largest distribution platforms in Europe, with branches in five countries and communication in eight languages. But we’ve never lost our enthusiasm or the friendly relationships that help us build trust with our customers,” said Ján Seszták, Managing Director of SOS electronic.
Digitalisation as the foundation of efficient distribution
Digitalisation and innovative e-commerce solutions are key elements of SOS electronic’s business model. The company prefers a strategic approach that combines technological advancement with a strong emphasis on personal contact and technical expertise. It deliberately avoids blindly adopting new technologies.
“We see technology as a tool, not a goal. That’s why we continue to deliver value to our business partners based on the principles our company was built on. The result is faster decision-making, easier purchasing, and support from a real person when the customer needs it,” explained Seszták.
The electronic component market faces significant fluctuations in material availability and pricing. Despite this, SOS electronic has managed to maintain stable supply chains.
“Stability is a luxury today. We consider it our commitment. Customers rely on us even when the market is unpredictable. The current turbulence in sourcing affordable materials only reinforces how vital distribution is in the supply chain,” added Seszták.
As part of its distribution services, SOS electronic offers full technical support, logistics solutions, and smart e-commerce tools. According to Seszták, clients are not only looking for better prices but also support in finding the best and most feasible solutions for their production.
Certification means more than quality – it means stability and security
SOS electronic has long held the ISO 9001 quality certification. All internal processes, from procurement and warehousing to customer service, are systematically managed and regularly audited. This internationally recognised standard guarantees long-term service quality.
Equally important is the AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) certification, which SOS electronic obtained from the customs authorities of the European Union. This certification signifies that the company is a trusted and secure partner in the international supply chain. It also enables faster customs processing, fewer inspections, and smoother deliveries, advantages that directly translate into more reliable and efficient logistics for customers.
The company’s economic stability is also regularly confirmed by independent assessments from the renowned agency Dun & Bradstreet, which monitors creditworthiness, payment discipline, and financial reliability.
“For us, certifications are not just a formality. They reflect how we think, how we work, and the overall direction of our company. They represent our culture of quality, transparency, and responsibility,” added Seszták.
Conrad Group membership – an open gateway to the world
As a member of the Conrad Group, SOS electronic brings specialisation in industrial customers, technical know-how, and a personal approach that complements the group’s extensive portfolio. Conrad Electronics was founded in 1923 as a family business headquartered in Germany. From its humble beginnings as a small mail-order company for components, it has grown into one of Europe’s most important electronics distributors.
“Being part of the Conrad Group has opened new doors for us. At trade fairs and exhibitions, we’re not just exhibitors, we’re partners. Being a member of the group and having 30 years of successful operations behind us is also a great responsibility for the future. That’s why we are prioritising investments in process digitalisation and innovation in our distribution network,” concluded Seszták.
Author:
Jana Lukáč Krajná
This article was originally published in The Practical Guide of Excess Inventory e-book
