TTI, Inc is a specialist distributor of electronic components with a global footprint and a strong focus on interconnect, passive, electromechanical, and discrete (IP&E) components.
Founded in 1971 by Paul Andrews in Fort Worth, Texas, the company began as Tex-Tronics – a small operation committed to serving the unique needs of electronics manufacturers. Andrews recognised a gap in the market for a distributor that prioritised high levels of available inventory and deep technical knowledge. This customer-centric approach allowed TTI, Inc. to grow rapidly, especially among OEMs and contract
manufacturers seeking reliability and component availability.
Tex-Tronics became TTI, Inc. in 1974 and, over the decades, has evolved from a regional supplier into a global distribution powerhouse. In 2000, it acquired Mouser Electronics which allowed it to further expand its international presence and capabilities, and, in 2007, it became part of Berkshire Hathaway whose Chairman and CEO is Warren Buffett.
Today, TTI, Inc. operates across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa, the company maintains about 222,000 square metres of dedicated warehouse space housing over 110,000 active part numbers
“TTI is a specialist distributor with a focused line card, supporting IP&E components and suppliers. This is a unique go-to-market strategy – unlike broadline distributors, we do not carry core semiconductors, which allows us to maintain full focus on the IP&E technologies. This specialisation enables deeper supplier relationships, better product availability, and stronger technical and logistical support for our customers,” notes
Geoff Breed, Senior Vice President Marketing & Business Development, TTI Europe.
Market strength
With more than 50 years of industry experience, TTI, Inc. works closely with its customers to understand their specific requirements, ensuring that order pipelines are closely aligned with customer forecasts. Alongside this, the company actively monitors product and market trends to anticipate demand shifts and ensure that its inventory profiles match the evolving needs of the electronics industry.
TTI, Inc. integrates customer demand data to help adjust its manufacturers’ inventory levels, order books, and demand planning processes. Approximately 30% of the demand information received from
customers is provided in the form of forecasts, while the remaining 70% is communicated through standard order information.
In addition to customer-supplied data, TTI, Inc. also bases its planning on a combination of current and historical demand, trend analysis, and the expertise of its product management team. This approach
is further strengthened by close cooperation with both customers and manufacturers, enabling TTI, Inc. to maintain broad and deep inventory levels that reflect the latest technological developments and meet
the increasing flexibility requirements of its customer base.
When combined with TTI Inc.’s tailored logistics solutions, this strategic approach illustrates how its specialist distribution model supports not only individual customer programmes but also the wider
market’s demand for availability, reliability, and supply continuity.
The company’s acquisition strategy also broadens the company’s capabilities across geographies, applications, and services, forming what is now known as the global TTI Family of Companies. A key
example within this group is Mouser Electronics.
This strategic expansion enhances the overall value proposition of the TTI Family, enabling it to support every stage of the customer journey – from initial product design and prototyping through to full-scale production. By combining specialist distribution with complementary services, TTI, Inc. is able to meet a wide spectrum of business requirements across the electronics industry.
Value-added services
TTI IP&E – Europe has developed a suite of adaptable services designed to meet the specific requirements of each customer. At the core of this offering is a comprehensive inventory of standard components, many of which can be quickly modified for specialised applications. These services include customised kitting to improve production efficiency, contact cutting, and bespoke modifications for flex-strips and pin
headers – all delivered on demand to support dynamic manufacturing needs.
The company also provides extended logistical support through tailored services such as customised printing, barcode labelling, and ESD packaging solutions. A key part of its capability is connector assembly, which plays a crucial role in ensuring reliability and performance in modern electronics design. TTI IP&E – Europe’s assembly operations, fully authorised by its supplier partners, enable the creation of a wide variety of connector configurations tailored to individual customer requirements.
To support both prototyping and volume production, the company operates with no minimum order quantities and offers a 24-hour turnaround for connector assembly services. Its extensive inventory
further enhances this offering by enabling buffer stock management and supporting forecast-driven orders, streamlining procurement processes for its customers.
“Customisation and solution flexibility are increasingly important factors in all aspects of our customers’ project design, as products become more specialised and subject to unique functional and environmental
requirements. TTI Europe’s technical engineering team, combined with our suppliers’ product development expertise, enables us to deliver tailored solutions across a wide range of applications. Additionally, TTI
offers in-house connector assembly capabilities, allowing us to meet customer needs with flexible and efficient solutions,” said Breed.
The company’s focus on customer specific parts includes the ability to tailor back shells, adapt connectors for harsh or unique environments, and offer alternative plating options. This flexibility ensures that customers receive application-ready solutions that align closely with their design and production goals.
Sustainability
TTI, Inc. has embedded sustainability into its operations and supply chain through a range of initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and improving resource efficiency. Its operational measures reflect a clear commitment to sustainable practices across facilities and logistics.
One key initiative is the transition to an automated packaging system, now applied to 80% of packaging. This has helped reduce the need for transport space by optimising carton dimensions, cutting down from 16
different box sizes to a more efficient footprint. In line with this, TTI, Inc. has shifted 80% of its packaging to 100% recyclable corrugated cardboard, eliminating plastic filler materials. Of the remaining 20%, half of the filler material is now recyclable.
A reusable Euro pallet circulation system has also been implemented, allowing for ongoing exchange with customers and reducing pallet waste. In the area of materials handling, TTI, Inc. has invested in over 30 multi space lifts equipped with Ecodrive technology, which returns energy during vertical movement, further improving energy efficiency.
On the supply chain side, TTI, Inc. continues to strengthen its sustainability profile by reviewing and implementing optimised order sizes with major customers. This approach reduces the frequency of
small-quantity deliveries, helping to cut transport-related emissions and improve overall supply chain efficiency. “Through these measures, TTI strives to enhance efficiency, minimise environmental impact, and drive sustainable improvements across its operations and supply chain,” notes Breed.
The distribution landscape
The electronics distribution landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by major shifts such as the electrification of mobility and the rise of intelligent systems. Demand is growing for high-voltage
connectors and sensors in electric and fuel cell vehicles, alongside increased requirements for faster data connectivity and advanced antenna solutions to support the next generation of advanced driver
assistance systems (ADAS) and infotainment platforms.
Another significant technological driver is the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These technologies are rapidly shaping automation strategies, especially within the
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). IIoT integrates a range of innovations, including Edge and Cloud computing, digital twins, AI, vision systems, smart human-machine interfaces (HMIs), augmented reality (AR), and connected worker technologies. Together, these solutions support the development of smarter, more connected industrial environments.
Rising data demands and the expansion of AI and IoT applications are also pushing the need for higher data rates. As connection speeds increase, signal integrity becomes a growing concern, leading to greater
adoption of hybrid cable solutions combining fibre and copper. High power designs are essential for enabling rapid electric vehicle charging, which must also account for thermal management and safety
considerations.
Miniaturisation remains a dominant trend across various sectors, especially in RF and wireless devices, data centres, and Edge computing. The drive for smaller, more efficient components continues to influence
design decisions and manufacturing strategies.
Why buy from TTI, Inc?
TTI, Inc. maintains one of the most comprehensive inventories in the electronics distribution market and continues to invest in local resources to support its customers effectively. The company’s focus on ‘people and parts’ is reflected in its commitment to building a talented organisation across all areas of the business. This includes a strong network of in-region technical experts who work closely with customers to develop solutions not only for current challenges but also for future applications.
A key area of ongoing investment is TTI, Inc.’s state-of-the-art logistics facility located in Munich, Germany. This site plays a central role in managing the company’s high-volume component inventory. This strategic
approach ensures that customers receive the right parts, on time, every time.
“We’re not just in the business of distributing electronic components – we’re in the business of enabling innovation, driving progress, and building trust through every relationship and every action,” states Breed.
Key facts:
• Headquarters: Fort Worth, Texas
• Locations worldwide: 136+
• Distribution centres: 13 major distribution centres globally, over 3,000,000ft²
• Number of employees: 8,000+
The mission
“TTI’s mission is to be the most preferred electronics distributor for both customers and suppliers by delivering the right parts exactly on time, exceeding customer requirements through continuous improvement, and providing a supportive environment for dedicated and ethical employees.” Geoff Breed, Senior Vice President Marketing & Business Development, TTI Europe.
This article originally appeared in the July/August issue of Procurement Pro.
