September 2013 - WOOD PROCESSING MACHINERY 2013

September 2013 - WOOD PROCESSING MACHINERY 2013

THE BIGGEST TRADE PLATFORM OF WOOD AND FURNITURE INDUSTRIES IN EURASIA, WOOD PROCESSING MACHINERY AND INTERMOB FAIRS WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 5-9 AT TUYAP

The most important and wide-ranging meeting of the sector, Wood Processing Machinery- The 26th International Wood Processing Machines, Cutting Tools and Hand Tools Fair and INTERMOB - The 16th International Furniture Side Industry, Accessories, Forestry Products and Wood Technology Fairs will present the last innovations at TUYAP.

The Most Important  Meeting of Developing Wood and Furniture Industries Is Running Towards New Records in 2013
In 2012, by the attendance of 855 companies from 28 countries in 12 halls, on 98.000 m2 exhibition area, The Wood Processing Machinery and Intermob Fairs hosted 61.543 professionel visitors from 94 countries covering 6.904 international visitors during 5 days. The fairs organized by TÜYAP, provided a unique sales and marketing platform for the exhibitors with the procurement committees invited from 81 countries while coming up the expectations of the visitors with its wide-ranging profile, attendence of the leader producers and the panels which were organized about the current subjects of the sector.

Setting a higher standard for 2013, the fairs will be held by the attendence of around 900 company and company representatives from 30 countries and are expected to host 65.000 visitors from around 100 countries by the support of overseas promotion activities.

New Technologies, New Products, New Markets, New Cooperations…
By expecting to be one of the global trade centers of the world in future, Turkey is targeting to have a bigger market share in furniture side, wood products and wood processing machinery products’ industries in the scope of its geographical location, dynamic economical situation, strength on the economies of other close countries and developing potential. While the fairs are  providing all exhibitors to catch the advantage of their principal targets in the related sectors, the exhibitors will take the advantage of meeting their competitors, know-how exchanging, presenting their brands-  last products and services, leading their R&D activities, building new business cooperations and as a result, getting a bigger market share. 

Being an effective trading platform and covering procurement committees organized by TUYAP- for the visitors coming from all over the world- the fairs are also providing access to new markets in order to have new business contacts.

The Event Programmes Provide Know-how Exchange
Wood Processing Machinery and Intermob Fairs will be an effective know-how exchange center by the event programmes covering the sector’s agenda for being able to evaluate the current competitive situations and new technologies in the market.
In this scope, being one of the most important meeting platforms in Eurasia, the fairs are providing an effective platform for the authorized people of the companies, scientists, academicians, public authorities and journalists to share their thoughts and knowledge.

We Are Building New Overseas Markets 
In 2013, Wood Processing Machinery and Intermob fairs - the biggest international platform of the wood procesisng machineries, furniture accessories, wood products and wood technology industries - once more, are providing access to new markets and private business cooperation advantages. Through the aim of creating a profitable sales and marketing platform for domestic and foreign exhibitors, the procurement committees’ organizations and international promotion activities have been realized.
 
By the support of overseas offices and representative network of TUYAP, procurement committees have been organized and reached to all potential purchasers as commercial councellors, trade and industry chambers, businessmen councils, producer-exporter-importer associations of the wood and furniture sectors and bureaucrats who have authority of purchasing for community.

Additionally, through the consulates, the leading companies from the countries which create  potential markets -  as Ukrania, Russia, Balkan States, Azerbaijani, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkic Republics- have been contacted and invited to the fairs by TUYAP.

During 2013, in the content of the cooperations which have been built with the press that feels the pulse of the sector, the promotion activities have been realized in the related countries. The  editors from the target countries will be hosted and reflect their impressions to the international platform. Having a good prestige in the sector, the fairs were visited by visitors from 93 countries last year and they will add new countries to the portfolio and achieve to create new markets for the exhibitors.

Fairs Are Strengthening The Sector While Boosting The Market
Being the biggest meetig of the sector, Wood Processing Machinery & Intermob bring the sector professionals together from all corners of Turkey, set going the sector and provide commercial profit to all exhibitors and visitors.

Wood Processing Machinery and Intermob 2013 present all innovations of the sector under the same roof. The fairs make a significant contribution to the economy by offering opportunities to the companies requiring to- increase their production capacities- purchase machinery & accessories and cover the demand of the market.

Procurement Committees From All Industrially Developed Cities
During the fairs, by the invitation of TUYAP,  the chairmen and members of NGO’s, the authorized people of the companies which are operating in the sectors as furniture production & accessories trade, architecture, interior architecture, decoration and wood processing will be hosted. Within the context of the procurement committies, it is provided 7000 sector professionals from 48 cities in Turkey to visit the fairs.

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FTMTA Farm Machinery Show

FTMTA Farm Machinery Show The FTMTA Farm Machinery Show closed on Saturday, February 9th 2013, and was the best attended ever with visitor numbers of approximately 18,000 over the three days. The opening day on Thursday saw a strong turnout despite very poor weather conditions and 7,000 people visited the Show on Saturday. During the Show there was a very evident mood of confidence in the wider agricultural sector which was commented on by many exhibitors and visitors.  There are reports of a substantial level of business being done at the Show with a number of exhibitors reporting that all machines which they were exhibiting had in fact been sold from the stands. A number of exhibitors stated that they had done their best level of business at such an event in many years. There were many positive comments received in relation to all aspects of site services. The Association is keen to thank all the members of our own team, contractors, suppliers and Punchestown staff as well as the exhibitors and visitors who all contributed to the success of the event. The Association was pleased to welcome a number of new exhibitors to this year’s Show alongside many regular participants and hopes that they all had a successful Show which will set the tone for a successful year for the farm machinery trade. In opening the Show, Mr. Conor Breen, FTMTA President, highlighted that “this year is a very special one for the FTMTA as the Association celebrates 100 years in existence, 100 years of supporting the development of Irish farming through the supply and service of evolving new farm machinery ideas to generations of farmers.” Mr. Breen stressed “that tradition of service continues to be at the heart of what FTMTA is about; supporting our farmer and contractor customers with the best that modern machinery can offer and then backing that up with trained service teams that can ensure the machines achieve their optimum in the field. Our motto of, “What We Sell We Service,” was at the cornerstone of the foundation of the FTMTA.  That message is as true today as it was when our founding fathers set about establishing this association 10 decades ago, this year.”

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ASC 2013: Machinery Safety: How EHS Managers Can Impact Worker Safety and Productivity

The general perception of machine safety is that it makes the machines stop. Not so, said Pat Barry, a regional marketing leader for Rockwell Automation. “If that were true,” he said, “it means the safest companies would be the least productive. World-class safety, companies have the best safety performance and the best production performance.”

Barry, speaking to a crowded room at the America’s Safest Companies Conference in Atlanta on Oct. 29, said that at its most basic form, machinery safety is “how we keep people safe around machines.” However, he added, appropriate machinery safety does more than keep employees safe.

“Let’s talk about safety and productivity and how those two meld with each other,” Barry suggested. “The fact is, if we have that good, collaborative process (between EHS and production) and we use a good safeguarding process, we can make decisions that will effect both safety and productivity but we have to be deliberate about it. It can’t be a mistake.”

He said that basic machine safeguarding concepts can be boiled down to two basic rules that can be used to keep people safe around machines: Rule No. 1, if you’ve got to get at a machine, shut it off. Rule No. 2, if it’s running, keep people away from it. And, he added, there are federal regulations related to both of these concepts: lockout/tagout and machine guarding.

“When you put those two tools together what we have is a perfectly safe machine that nobody can use, right?” Barry asked, to some laughter from the audience. “We can guard the crap out of it and make sure we lockout/tagout … but then somebody wants to do something silly, like load parts.”

Because in some cases, employees in and around operating machinery, the minor service exception was created. This exception is used in cases where there is a specific set of tasks that are routine and repetitive and they have to be done to keep production running.

In some cases, lockout/tagout – shutting the machine down completely – is an appropriate safety measure. In others, such as those covered by the minor service exception, alternative measures might be the best solution.

As Barry described it, lockout/tagout is an active solution. An employee has to take the steps to shut down and lock out the machine. Alternative measures can be passive, or, as Barry said, “Take what person is doing on the machine anyway and use that to trigger the safeguard.”

As an analogy, he explained that an active safety measure is a seatbelt: you have to place it around your waist and secure it and adjust the shoulder strap. An alternative, passive safety measure is an airbag. All you have to do to trigger it is sit in the seat – something you were going to do anyway.

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Say goodnight to Christmas stress and insomnia with Magnesium Oil

It is thought that this Christmas will be the toughest for Britain for more than 20 years.

Although most of us love the festivities, the run up to Christmas can be incredibly stressful, especially in the money stakes. 

It is thought that almost a quarter of us are likely to dread Christmas and borrow money to fund its expense.* 

Money worries and the pressures of buying perfect presents can lead to an impact on our wellbeing, as symptoms of stress and insomnia frequently take hold. 

A goodnight’s sleep is vital for the body’s ability to repair – particularly in managing elevated levels of stress hormones, which are a natural result of today's fast paced lifestyle. 

The physical effects of stress, including high heart rate and blood pressure, tense muscles and fast and shallow breathing, can play havoc in our bodies. Sleep helps to slow these effects and encourage a state of relaxation.

Recent studies suggest that magnesium, among its many important qualities, can have a calming effect on the nervous system and can help ease anxiety, relax muscles and nerves helping maintain a good quality of sleep. 

A clinical trial by Cardiff University this year found that applying magnesium to the skin is a faster way of absorbing this important mineral to the skin than tablets. 

BetterYou™ MagnesiumOil Goodnight Spray is a unique combination of magnesium and essential oils including camomile, clary sage and bergamot.

By spraying onto the body, concentrating on massaging in to the shoulders, abdomen and upper legs thirty minutes before sleep, the chloride form is quickly absorbed into the muscles, helping to promote deep muscle relaxation.

Plus, due to the purity of the magnesium oil and the simplicity of the formulation, there is no morning-after drowsiness, just a feeling of being rested and ready to face the day.

Prices start at £12.20 for 800 sprays.

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Ban the afternoon slump with Femergy, says Kylie

An Essex office worker’s day has been given a big boost by BetterYou’s energy enhancing products for women.

Kylie Frost, aged 26, has been using the healthcare supplier’s bestselling capsule product Femergy since January, after winning the supplement in a magazine competition. 

After she found it naturally combated her energy slumps throughout the day, she now takes it daily and has never looked back.

Kylie said: “I love love love Femergy! It's better than any afternoon coffee or quick pick me up I've ever tried in the past. 

“Having an office job, I, like many, often felt an energy slump in the afternoon. Femergy’s long lasting effect means my workday doesn't suffer any more. 

“I’m a healthy person and like to exercise, so a boost in my mental clarity in the afternoon puts me in the perfect mind set for my running and workouts after work. Plus I have a long commute so it’s good to have energy when I get home.

“It's also caffeine and sugar free which is great so there is absolutely no 'crash' after the energy boost and it doesn't affect sleeping patterns.”

Femergy combines natural and highly absorbable ingredients, including Brazilian Ginseng, Peruvian Maca and Cayenne Pepper, which are proven to enhance the body’s metabolism, reduce temporary feelings of tiredness and enhance sexual alertness, as well as increasing overall energy, mood and vitality.

This combination is suitable for use by those working long hours, looking to increase athletic performance, or who just require an extra natural energy boost throughout the day. 

“It took a few weeks before the product really kicked in, but I could feel the effects building over time. I definitely don’t feel as tired now and if I am a little low in energy I tend to cope better than I would have before. I would recommend Femergy to anyone – I have already got all my friends taking it,” said Kylie. 

Kylie also uses other BetterYou products regularly, including Magnesium Oil Original Spray and Magnesium Flakes to keep her body in tip top condition after her workouts. 

She also loves TotalNutrition, a superfood supplement providing all known essential nutrients, which she finds complement her balanced diet. 

For more information on Femergy™ and other BetterYou™ products, please visit www.betteryou.uk.com or call 0114 2202229.

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Magnesium Oil’s Olympic bid!

A British Olympian has hailed the rejuvenating powers of BetterYou's magnesium products, as she trains for the biggest sporting event of her life.

Team GB long jumper Jade Johnson says Magnesium Oil is one of the key ingredients in her recovery from long days of intensive training, ahead of this summer’s London showpiece.

A growing number of doctors and professional coaches believe that magnesium is the single most important mineral to sports nutrition. Not only does it help optimise an athlete's performance, but it also speeds up recovery from fatigue and injuries.

BetterYou has provided the athlete with a supply of its bestselling transdermal Magnesium products, including Magnesium Original Bath Flakes and Magnesium Oil Spray. 

Jade said: “Long days of training push my body to the max. The Olympic Games are the biggest sporting event on the planet and having them here, in our own country, means every athlete is feeling the pressure.

“That’s why we’re all looking for something that can give us that extra millimetre or extra second over our competitors, or that can take away the pain of another day’s intensive training.

“I’d barely heard of magnesium let alone why you need it to stay fit and healthy. But now
I really understand magnesium’s contribution to an athlete’s recovery and performance.

“BetterYou Magnesium Flakes really help me recover after a hard training session. Not only that, but once I’ve soaked in a hot magnesium rich bath, I feel the difference in my muscles and joints. My muscle recovery is much faster, meaning I’m back to full potential for the next day’s training which is essential, especially at the moment in the run up to such a massive event.

“I also use the Magnesium Oil Spray, which is particularly convenient when I'm travelling as I have the reassurance I can keep up with the benefits I get from the flakes while travelling light.

“I would never want to be without Magnesium Oil now.”

The majority of muscle injuries are a result of not warming up properly, but spraying magnesium before exercise can improve the flexibility and function of the muscles, thanks to the mineral’s muscle relaxing qualities. 

Post-exercise application helps the muscles repair - remineralising and aiding the detoxifying process. An ice bath may help to halt inflammation post-workout, but there is no faster way to remineralise than with Magnesium Oil. 

A clinical trial by Cardiff University found that applying magnesium to the skin is a faster way of absorbing this important mineral to the skin than tablets. 

BetterYou’s range of transdermal magnesium products have been developed for absorption through the skin as an aid to maintaining the body's essential magnesium levels. 

By massaging BetterYou Magnesium Oil into the skin, magnesium is absorbed directly into the skin tissue, entering the cells immediately, bathing and feeding them, quickly replacing magnesium lost through sports.

For more information visit www.betteryou.uk.com or call 0114 220 2229.

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Games boost sports uptake, but help at hand for energy sapped men lacking the drive

Millions of men are leaving their sofas and hitting the pools, courts and running tracks as Team GB’s golden heroes spark a surge in people taking part in sport.

But as the stresses of modern life turn millions of men to exhaustion, even the best intentioned fledgling Farahs could lack the daily drive to take advantage of the sporting spirit that’s been ignited by London 2012.

Luckily, help is at hand thanks to a natural food sourced energy supplement designed specifically for men.

Menergy, from health supplement creator BetterYou combines highly absorbable food state ingredients to help to maintain the body’s natural balance during times of temporary tiredness, resulting in a body better able to maintain and release energy.

Packed full of nature’s finest energisers, including Peruvian Maca, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, and Chromium, Menergy helps to combat fatigue, maintain mental clarity and promote stamina.

Andrew Thomas, founder of BetterYou, said: “This summer’s Olympic Games have met their goal and inspired an entire generation of people to take up sporting activity. But we know there are still barriers which prevent even the best intentioned amateurs to lack motivation.

“As summer turns to autumn, tiredness takes its toll and long days at work sap our willpower, some of us may need a helping hand to keep our personal sporting legacies on track.

“Menergy can help. The combination of ingredients is perfect for those people working long hours, but who are also looking to increase athletic performance.”

Menergy does not disrupt sleeping patterns and is naturally caffeine and sugar-free and suitable for those on vegetarian, vegan, diabetic and coeliac diets.

The combination of Brazillian Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba helps increase blood flow around the body by speeding oxygen supply to all the major organs, so when taken daily and at the onset of tiredness, Menergy nourishes and revives the body with positive effects that build over time.

And with the addition of chromium, of which a shortage of which may lead to premature fatigue, Menergy might be the boost a man needs to be the next Mo Farah.

For more information visit www.betteryou.uk.com/menergy or call 0114 220 2229.

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Harper's Bazaar favours flakes in its Hot 100 listings...

Top glossy magazine Harper's Bazaar, has chosen Magnesium Flakes as the winner in its 'Best Overnight Destresser' category in this year's Bazaar Beauty Hot 100 listings!

The supplement, which readers use as their ultimate shopping guide, will be in the October issue, on the shelves in September. Click here to see more.

Magnesium Flakes are available to buy in three different sizes. Click here to buy, or for more information.

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New trio gives Sheffield health company a boost

A rapidly developing Sheffield company is boosting its team with a hat trick of appointments.

BetterYou are pioneers in health products, producing a unique range of vitamin and mineral supplements distributed to the healthcare market worldwide.

Now, to aid its continued growth after a record breaking year, the Chapeltown based firm has now boosted its production and distribution departments.

Rebecca Barker, aged 26, from High Green has been employed as production manager, responsible for managing existing production and new product development and ensuring all products meet the brand’s high quality expectations.

Charlotte Sweet, aged 26, from Greystones is the firm’s distribution manager, responsible for dispatching all of the UK orders to consumer and trade, as well as managing export deliveries  to more than 15 countries worldwide.

Finally, James Taylor Unwin, aged 21, from High Green is BetterYou’s new distribution assistant, working closely with Charlotte.

BetterYou was set up five years ago by Managing Director and Founder, Andrew Thomas, to capitalise on a gap in the market for innovative health and nutritional products, including transdermal magnesium and vitamin sprays, formulated for today’s modern lifestyles.

The company, which supplies stores including Holland & Barrett and Lloyd’s Pharmacy and exports to more than 15 countries worldwide, has seen year-on-year growth of more than 60 per cent and has doubled staff numbers in the last year.

For more information visit www.betteryou.uk.com or call 0114 220 2229.

ENDS

Photo caption – L-R – Rebecca Barker, James Taylor Unwin and Charlotte Sweet all join the team at BetterYou.

 

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Leading children’s medic backs national vitamin D drive

One of the country’s leading experts in the problems of vitamin D deficiency says more needs to be done to prevent the recent resurgence of childhood rickets, ahead of a major awareness campaign.

Dr Benjamin Jacobs, consultant paediatrician and Director of Children’s Service at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, is using National Vitamin D Awareness Week to renew calls for parents and pregnant women to consider supplementation, following a rise in serious medical problems affecting children including, rickets, calcium deficiency convulsions and rarely even heart failure.

Dr Jacobs, who has spent years treating children suffering vitamin D deficiency, spoke out this year, describing what he sees as an unacceptable lack of vitamin D awareness.

Now the consultant says more needs to be done to make health professionals aware of the issue, as many had been taught that rickets was a disease of the past.

"I've noticed a big increase in children suffering vitamin D deficiency in the last decade. Even today, many doctors, health visitors, midwives and nurses, are not sufficiently aware of the problem.

“Parents need to be made more aware, in a balanced and informed way, of the conditions deficiency can cause. For some groups, particularly children and pregnant women, supplementation is the best way to go,” he said.

Dr Jacobs’ calls follow announcements earlier this year by Chief Medical Officer for England, Dame Sally Davies, who contacted medical staff about concerns that young children and some adults are not getting enough vitamin D.

Research suggests that in many parts of the UK, most children have insufficient levels of vitamin D. Dr Jacobs sees an extreme case of rickets monthly, but says there are many more children who show less severe symptoms of deficiency including muscle weakness, a delay in walking, and bone pains. A national survey of children suffering convulsions due to a lack of Vitamin D is due to be completed next month.

Cases of rickets have also increased by more than 400 per cent since 1996, Labour MP Kate Green announced last month in the House of Commons.

National Vitamin D Awareness Week will launch on Monday 29 October to Sunday 4 November, to raise public understanding of the dangers of vitamin D deficiency.

Health supplement pioneer BetterYou, proudly supporting the awareness week, has also just revealed survey findings which suggest a massive proportion of the UK population are at risk of a range of debilitating symptoms brought on by deficiency.

The survey found that nine out of ten people could be vitamin D deficient, with nearly two thirds severely lacking. And of those diagnosed as being severely deficient, most (71 per cent) do not take any form of supplement- highlighting a clear link between deficiency and supplementation.

Andrew Thomas, founder and managing director at BetterYou, said: “Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most important lifestyle health initiatives facing us today. Raising awareness this is a long-term objective for our company, but we believe that for people to take action against this easily reversible situation, they must have access to the correct information.

“I believe the work Dr Jacobs and others are producing to expand our knowledge and treatment in this area is admirable and very exciting.”

The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital is the largest orthopaedic hospital in the UK and regarded as a leader in the field of orthopaedics both in the UK and world-wide.

The Trust provides a comprehensive and unique range of neuro-musculoskeletal healthcare, ranging from acute spinal injuries to orthopaedic medicine and specialist rehabilitation for chronic back pain sufferers.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Dr Benjamin Jacobs

Dr Jacobs trained in paediatrics across London until taking up a four year lecturer post (Honorary Senior Registrar) at the University of Manchester. During this period Dr Jacobs submitted an MD thesis on the psychology of children's eczema. He then undertook a three year fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada from1996-1999. During this period he obtained an MSc in Clinical Epidemiology with a thesis on measuring the severity of influenza in children (CARIFS).

Dr Jacobs then returned to the UK as a locum consultant paediatrician in the NHS and in the Royal Naval Hospital Gibraltar.

He was appointed consultant paediatrician to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in 2002, and in 2004 he was appointed lead for the Paediatric Unit at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, which included three consultant paediatricians and a child psychiatrist. In 2009, Dr Jacobs was appointed to the Trust Board at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital as Director of Children’s Services.

For media information please contact Melody Patterson, PR Manager at BetterYou, on melody@betteryou.uk.com or call 0114 220 2236. 

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Pregnant women urged to take B12

Pioneers of vitamin D and B12 sub-lingual spray supplementation have welcomed research which calls on mums-to-be to take the vitamin with folic acid to help avoid birth defects.

The Shine charity findings show that women supplementing B12  prior to conception and in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy could reduce their likelihood of giving birth to children with spina bifida, hydrocephalus and other conditions affecting the central nervous system.

BetterYou, who produce Boost B12 oral spray, say the importance of B12 has been long understood, but that the new research sheds new light on why supplementation is so important.

Around one in 1,000 pregnancies in the UK are affected by natural tube defects (NTD) but folic acid, when taken correctly before and during pregnancy, could prevent up to 72 per cent of these cases.~

Scientists have researched ways to reduce the risk further, studying potential benefits of vitamin B12, which helps the body to metabolise folic acid. These findings highlight a link between low folate and low B12 levels, with some studies suggesting a possible three-fold risk increase for NTDs in women with low levels of B12.*

Vitamin B12 is known specifically for its role in producing healthy amounts of red blood cells which are necessary for the proper delivery of the required oxygen to the body's cells and tissues.

Although B12 is found in popular foods, including red meats, fish and dairy products, a healthy digestive system will only absorb one per cent of the vitamin from our diet. This means more of us now need supplementation.

Andrew Thomas, BetterYou founder and managing director, said: “The total amount of vitamin B12 stored in the body is about 5mg in adults with around 50 per cent of this being stored in the liver - for several years if needed.

“This sounds positive – and it’s fair to say that nutritional deficiency of this vitamin should be rare. However 0.5 per cent of this is lost each day by secretions into the gut, and not all these secretions are reabsorbed. The result is that deficiency is becoming more prevalent than ever.

“How fast B12 levels change in the body depends on the balance between the amount obtained from the diet and the amount lost. Our intake of B12 is reducing as our diets rely more and more on processed meats. Combined with the reduced efficiency of our digestive system, B12 is one of the hardest vitamins to absorb.

“Boost is an excellent way for mums-to-be to supplement their B12 levels, as research has found that tissue lining of the mouth offers a strong alternative for effective absorption of our nutrients.”

Boost contains Methylcobalamin, the most active form of B12 which is present naturally in the human body, making it the most readily absorbable form. The formula also contains chromium and green tea extract, all associated with energy production and body metabolism.

A recent study, carried out by Cardiff University investigating sublingual vitamin absorption found that nutrients are absorbed faster through the sub-lingual membrane - below the tongue and soft palate, and the buccal membrane than any other tissue area, other than the lungs.

Boost is suitable for vegetarians, vegans and throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. It retails at £11.95 for one month’s supply and is available from all Holland & Barratt stores, independent retailers across the UK and www.betteryou.uk.com.

ENDS

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2225389/Mothers-folic-acid-AND-vitamin-B12-prevent-birth-defects-leading-expert-warns.html

For media information please contact Melody Patterson, PR Manager at BetterYou, on melody@betteryou.uk.com or call 0114 220 2236.

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Ice baths should be put in deep freeze - transdermal magnesium holds the key to recovery

A health supplement pioneer which has won awards for its range of sports recovery products supports new claims that ice baths have little recovery benefit for the body.

Scientists at the University of Portsmouth found that plunging into icy water after exercise is a waste of time – and warn that it may do more harm than good.

Following the research, stronger evidence supports the use of magnesium soaking to help restore lost minerals, normalise muscle function and aid repair.

Many famous elite athletes, including Paula Radcliffe and the England rugby team, frequently use ice baths to help them recover from exercise.

But the new research, which tested 40 male athletes, found no differences between those who used cold water therapy and other cool-down methods in terms of athletes' perception of pain or more importantly in their biochemical markers of muscle cell damage.

A growing number of doctors and professional coaches believe that magnesium is the single most important mineral to sports nutrition. Not only is it needed for optimal muscle contraction, skeletal strength and to help sustain the high oxygen consumption necessary for athletic performance, magnesium also speeds up recovery from fatigue and injuries.

Andrew Thomas, founder and managing director at BetterYou, said: “We often forget how important recovery is. Enhancing performance is important, but without quick and full recovery, training programmes can often be delayed.

“An ice bath is often favoured, but as this research shows it doesn’t repair the damage or replace minerals lost through the exacerbated metabolism process. A concentrated magnesium bath- foot, or full body, will help relax cramping muscles as well as replace the lost magnesium.

“Transdermal magnesium chloride treatments should be used as a staple part of any sports nutrition programme. This application is particularly suitable for sports professionals who need high levels of magnesium replenishment. “Trials have shown transdermal application to be up to five times more effective in increasing cellular magnesium levels. Oral supplementation is much less effective in the treatment of injuries and tired muscles. BetterYou has seen many positive examples of this through supplying our magnesium range to various sports personalities and 2012 Olympians.”

Dr Popescu, Physician of the Romanian National Football Team, tested BetterYou Magnesium Oil spray during Euro 2008 on his team both on and off the pitch. As a result, he now strongly recommends the product for further usage in other sports and teams, after it was found to be beneficial in 90 per cent of cases.

A clinical trial by Cardiff University showed how well magnesium is absorbed through the skin, feeding every cell.

Watkins & Josling tested whether transdermal application of magnesium chloride could alter serum magnesium levels and whole body calcium/magnesium ratios. After 12 weeks 89 per cent of subjects saw a rise in cellular magnesium levels with the mean cellular rise of 59.7 per cent. This represents an estimated five times quicker result than comparable oral supplementation.

Using the most pure natural source of magnesium chloride known and fingerprint batch testing, BetterYou’s transdermal magnesium products are becoming the benchmark for sports mineral therapy.

For more information about the range of magnesium body sprays and soaks, visit http://www.betteryou.uk.com/Magnesium-113 or call 0114 220 2229.

ENDS

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/nov/08/ice-bath-exercise-new-research

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Royal morning sickness prompts recovery advice from vitamin specialists

Worried mums-to-be stricken by bouts of morning sickness should top up their levels of vital vitamins in their most absorbable form to keep them and their babies healthy during pregnancy, specialists say.

With the news the Duchess of Cambridge has been hospitalised by morning sickness, health care pioneer BetterYou are reminding mums-to-be of the importance of vitamin D supplementation.

The advice also follows results of a recent study by The Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, which found spring/summer babies have more chance of developing poorer health, including a number of degenerative illnesses such as multiple sclerosis.

The findings were linked to a pregnant woman's lack of exposure to sunlight, leading scientists to advise pregnant women take a vitamin D supplement in countries where sunlight levels are particularly low between October and March- such as the UK which is as northerly as the Alaskan Panhandle.

BetterYou has established a product perfect for maintaining vitamin D, B vitamin and folic levels during pregnancy and nursing. DLuxPregnancy Daily Oral Spray, includes optimum daily levels of vitamin D, folic acid and vitamins B1 and B6, and is rich in essential vitamins for the health of mother and baby.

Because the spray is mainly absorbed by the rich source of blood vessels in the mouth, it’s a much better supplement option for expectant mothers like the Duchess who are affected by severe morning sickness in the early stages of pregnancy.

Andrew Thomas, founder and managing director at BetterYou, said: “The importance of pregnant women getting enough vitamin D has long been a serious concern, one of which has been discussed in the House of Commons.

“Babies are born with around half of the mother's vitamin D levels, and as only 10 per cent of the body’s requirements is satisfied by diet, it is more important than ever that pregnant women’s levels are at an optimum.

“But when morning sickness strikes it is harder than ever to retain the nutrients the body required. DLuxPregnancy is a great way to supplement the vitamins, as they are primarily absorbed through the sub-lingual membranes in the mouth with secondary absorption in the stomach.

“So for the purposes of morning sickness, an oral spray is the better option compared to oral supplements which are harder on the stomach.”

Researchers at Cardiff University recently found that more than a third of DLux’s active ingredients are absorbed immediately into the bloodstream, via the tissue in the cheek and under the tongue.

Recently, the Chief Medical Officer for England, Dame Sally Davies outlined her concerns to health professionals about a rise in vitamin D related conditions, asking them to consider vitamin D supplementation for at risk groups, including pregnant mothers.

Cases of rickets have also increased by more than 400 per cent since 1996, Labour MP Kate Green recently announced in the House of Commons.

DLuxPregnancy retails at £9.95 for one month’s supply and is available from Holland & Barratt, independent retailers across the UK and www.betteryou.uk.com.  For more information please visitDLuxPregnancy. 

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Squeaky clean natural beauty boost

A squeaky clean Middlesex woman has been wowing the world with her strong, shiny locks and super strength nails - all thanks to a potent mix of natural antioxidants.

Beverley Amos, aged 52 found her brittle nails and lack lustre locks were getting her down.

But after a daily dose of Femergy Skin, Hair & Nails – a natural antioxidant supplement to help protect and repair women’s tissue from the effects of pollutants, UV exposure, exercise and the stress of modern lifestyles – she is fighting off compliments from her family, friends and even her hairdresser!

Beverley said: “I have tried many products over the years which have promised to work wonders, but Femergy Skin, Hair & Nails is by far the best.

“I came across it last year at the Vitality Show in London and have been taking them daily since. The main reason I chose the product was as the ingredients are natural, food sourced, and there are no added colours or preservatives.

“Since taking them the condition of my hair is fantastic! The young lady at my hairdressers is amazed at how squeaky my hair is – she even tells everyone I’m the only person who has hair that squeaks clean when she washes it. I told her it’s all due to taking my Femergy every day.

“My nails have also improved dramatically. Lots of people, including my niece ask where I buy my nails – I have to explain they are my own nails not bought from anywhere.

“I would recommend Femergy Skin, Hair & nails to anyone – it really is a must-have beauty product for women.”

Each natural ingredient in Femergy Skin Hair & Nails has been carefully selected for its effective antioxidant properties.

Acerola cherries contain spectacularly high levels of vitamin C, with levels more than 30 times higher than an orange. They are also high in amino and fatty acids, helping to keep cell membranes supple.

Pine bark extract is a water extract from the bark of the French maritime pine. Recent research by Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found the extract improved skin elasticity by 25 per cent, making it the latest go-to ingredient for slowing the signs of aging.

These two star natural additions are combined with tissue repairing vitamin A, skin cell protector vitamin E and selenium, a mineral which combines with proteins to make important antioxidant enzymes to help protect cellular damage from free radicals.

All form a powerful antioxidant dream team list of powerful, protecting and repairing ingredients.

Femergy Skin, Hair & Nails retails at £11.95 for a month’s supply and is available here.  

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Spot on superfood cure for Berkshire mum’s acne problem

This is the story of a student therapist who has found an overnight cure for acne.

Nicola Russell, aged 41, from Newbury, was so embarrassed by the outbreak of spots that kept appearing on her neck, she was forced to wear a scarf whenever she went out of the house or saw friends. Her problem became so desperate she was willing to try anything to cure her embarrassing problem, which is when she turned to a unique mix of diet boosting superfoods.

“I used to get spots on my neck which were so bad that I had to wear a scarf all the time to cover them up and being an advocate of healthy eating it was embarrassing having to explain why the spots kept appearing, despite eating well.

“I came across BetterYou’s Magnesium Oil spray in my local health food shop. When I got home, I looked on the website and was excited to see the range of products. The first thing that caught my eye was the Femergy range and TotalNutrition superfood.

“I have been taking all three products combined with a very good diet and lots of water, which I have always practiced. I noticed a difference to my skin within days – the spots stopped appearing overnight and I haven’t had any for over a month.

“I have a lot more energy and my skin is great. My hair has always been thick and shiny anyway and I’m really bad with looking after my nails, but even they are looking better.

“I’m so excited to have found these products. You name it, I’ve tried it, but these are the only products to have worked. They have changed my life,” Nicola said.

The products Nicola uses are food state, food sourced and contain only natural ingredients with nothing synthetic added.

The Femergy range combines natural food state botanicals, vitamins and minerals which have been chosen to work in harmony with the body.

Femergy Original works to maintain a feeling of energy and mental clarity, with Femergy Skin, Hair & Nails providing a natural antioxidant formulation to help protect and repair from the effects of pollutants, UV exposure and the stresses of modern life.

TotalNutrition is a unique organic, raw food formula which provides a natural food state blend of essential vitamins and minerals. The unique combination organic superfoods have been individually selected for their nutritional balance and optimal bioavailability.

Femergy Original, Femergy Skin, Hair & Nails and TotalNutrition are available from independent retailers across the UK andwww.betteryou.uk.com

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Health pioneers and TV medicinal chef provide easy meal ideas for parents

Health pioneers have teamed up with the UK’s top medicinal chef to get the nation cooking nutritious meals from scratch, after shock Government statistics reveal how few parents make fresh meals for their families.

The Department of Health questioned 2,000 mothers for its Change4Life Be Food Smart campaign, which encourages the public to think about the ‘hidden nasties’ in everyday foods so they can better manage the amount of salt, fat and sugar in their diets.

The results found that a lack of time and confidence in the kitchen means that only one in six parents make a meal from scratch every day, leaving youngsters being served unhealthy convenience foods such as chicken nuggets, sausages and pizza.

Obesity costs the NHS £5 billion each year with 40,000 people dying of conditions attributable to being overweight or obese. The Government’s latest figures show that the number of children who are overweight or obese doubles during primary school.*

Most convenience foods are laden with saturated fats, sodium and sugar and provide little to no nutritional value.

But Dale Pinnock’s collection of easy-to-follow recipes, being given away alongside BetterYou TotalNutrition, aims to help parents provide simple, nutritious meals to their children.

The TotalNutrition Recipe Book includes a range of quick and easy meal ideas, including BetterYou’s renowned Mean Green Morning Smoothie, potato ‘power’ boats, superfood frittata, spinach and feta wraps, and oat and seed bars. All recipes use TotalNutriton to help both adults and children feel the benefit of a nutrient rich diet.

BetterYou's TotalNutrition is a unique organic raw food formula which provides a natural food state blend of essential vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids- an ideal body booster for the millions of people, like those questioned; whose busy lifestyles mean their nutritional intake is taking a hit.

The unique combination of 100 per cent organic superfoods has been individually selected for their nutritional balance and optimal bioavailability, helping to replace some of those lost from processed meals.

Andrew Thomas, founder and managing director at BetterYou, said: “Dale has demonstrated through years of expert research and analysis that what we eat can have an untold impact on the way our bodies deal with a range of medical complaints.

"What these recipes do is make the task of the parent, the patient, the chef, that bit easier, providing our bodies with the superfoods they need in ways that can be seamlessly incorporated into our everyday diets."

TotalNutrition retails at £15.30 and is available from Holland & Barratt, independent retailers across the UK and www.betteryou.uk.com. 

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Health pioneers win Vegetarian Society approval

A pioneering range of health supplements has won accreditation from one of the most respected consumer quality marks in the UK.

BetterYou’s supplements, including magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 products, have earned Vegetarian Society approval after a stringent programme of checks proved all the ingredients used are vegetarian friendly and not tested on animals.

Accreditation means the business’ products can now carry the society’s respected approval mark on its products, reaffirming BetterYou’s philosophy for naturally sourced, quality products that consumers can trust.

Andrew Thomas, founder and managing director of BetterYou, said: “The trust that our many customers place in our products is extremely important to us. That’s why we felt securing accreditation from this highly respected organisation was absolutely vital.

“Some vegetarians are confident in what they eat but others need support and guidance. Many shoppers find it difficult to tell which food and drinks are produced using animal products.

“Displaying the Vegetarian Society Approved trademark means consumers can be sure that a product meets the gold standard of vegetarian suitability through the Vegetarian Society's strict criteria.”

The Vegetarian Society is an educational charity working to support, represent and increase the number of vegetarians in the UK. It works constructively with businesses, government agencies, policy makers and professionals, whilst always remaining independent.

Vanessa Brown, head of Business and Catering Services at the Vegetarian Society, “It’s great that the BetterYou range have become Vegetarian Society Approved. Displaying the Vegetarian Society Approved trademark means consumers can be sure that a product meets the gold standard of vegetarian suitability through the Vegetarian Society’s strict criteria.”

BetterYou take the importance of including the most natural and bioavailable sources extremely seriously, only using ingredients based on the form which is present naturally in the human body, making them the most readily absorbable preparations.

In addition, the company’s sublingual range, including DLux vitamin D oral sprays and Boost B12 oral sprays, along with the transdermal range of magnesium supplements, have all been tested by Cardiff University for absorption rates.

BetterYou products are stocked in Holland & Barratt, independent retailers across the UK and www.betteryou.uk.com

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Tried and clinically tested

Tried and clinically tested

Did you know that we regularly test all of our products?



All of our products are regularly subjected to thorough tests and clinical trials. We are in fact the most tested products in the natural industry.



Our most recent trial with Cardiff University showed how effective our Boost B12 Oral Spray is; you can read a copy here.



We also have two trials for Magnesium Oil. Watkins and Joslingshowed through hair analysis how quickly the bodies magnesium levels can be raised using a transdermal magnesium product whileCardiff University have looked at the absorption rate through the skin.



Further to this Cardiff University have also found that at least 37% of the D3 dosage in our DLux sprays is absorbed straight into the bloodstream., you can read a copy here.



If you have any questions on the above trials please do not hesitate to contact us on customerservices@betteryou.uk.com.

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Top 50 Distributors 2013

The largest distributors of electronic components in North America aren’t expecting blockbuster growth this year, but they do anticipate a slow and steady upturn in business by the time 2013 is over. Following a 2012 in which many companies focused on internal investment and development, this year is turning out to be one of incremental growth and gaining market share, with most companies predicting mid-single-digit increases for the year.

“I think distributors spent 2012 working on their inventories, on their productivity, on their efficiencies,” says Faris Aruri, vice president of corporate marketing for Sager Electronics, number 11 on the 2013 Top 50 Distributors report. “Margin continues to be a challenge and I believe that companies devoted the bulk of the year addressing their structure, their strategy.

“I think distributors spent 2012 working on their inventories, on their productivity, on their efficiencies,” says Faris Aruri, vice president of corporate marketing for Sager Electronics, number 11 on the 2013 Top 50 Distributors report. “Margin continues to be a challenge and I believe that companies devoted the bulk of the year addressing their structure, their strategy.”

“I think this year is almost as difficult for predictions as last year,” adds Jimmy Seifert, senior vice president at Newark element14, number six on this year’s list. “Growth estimates are in the single digits, heavily leaned on the back half of the year.”

Jimmy Seifert, senior vice president at Newark element14.

As they battle the sluggish conditions here at home, electronics distributors are also sharpening their focus on the Internet, watching the global economy closely and trying to keep their fingers on the pulse of an increasingly active regulatory environment that has customers placing new demands on them almost daily. These regulations have come to a head in the last year as the federal government has clamped down on contractors supplying electronic equipment to the armed services in an effort to curtail the flow of counterfeit parts into the defense supply chain. Government contractors have naturally turned to their component suppliers for additional levels of quality assurance.

Despite these challenges, the top distributors are optimistic about the electronics industry’s long-term outlook, helped largely by the growing amount of electronics in all aspects of daily life. The proliferation of smart phones and other handheld gadgets combined with the ever-increasing “smartness” of everything from refrigerators to cars and trucks makes the electronics supply chain a good place to be, they say.

When asked about the greatest change in the industry since last year’s Top 50 report, TTI’s Michael Knight doesn’t hesitate when he says: “the Internet factor.” Though electronics distributors have been steadily increasing their online investments and development for the last several years, Knight says 2012 stands out as a year of heightened investment and growing struggles about how to best integrate the technology into the electronics distribution model. The Internet’s presence as a leveler and at the same time a disruption makes it a force difficult to manage, he adds.

“Last year, it seemed the Internet factor became more prevalent and more obvious,” explains Knight, senior vice president, Americas for TTI, number four in this year’s report. He points to new competition from non-traditional sources and distributors’ pursuit of new ways to best serve customers online as key examples. He also points to pricing as a key challenge in the Internet age. A lack of Internet resale pricing guidelines is a particular sticking point, and one the industry will eventually have to confront.

“The Internet is the place where people go to shop,” Knight explains. “I do think it’s a growing challenge for distributors and OEMs [original equipment manufacturers], and we really need to give some thought to Internet pricing. Otherwise, we run the risk of creating a leak where there’s just a tremendous amount of margin that can be sucked out of our business.”

Newark element14’s Seifert agrees that the Internet is an industry game-changer, most notably for its value as a research and information tool. As more and more engineers, hobbyists, and procurement professionals search for products online, distributors must be at the ready not only with product and pricing information, but with the resources, tools, and technical support customers need to do their jobs, he explains.

“Just as the trend has exploded in the consumer world, it’s becoming more prevalent in ours as well,” Seifert says. Challenges aside, he notes that the trend fits well with the electronics distributor’s role as a provider of information and solutions.

“It really bodes well with how we go to market to support customer needs,” says Seifert, pointing to Newark’s element14 online community in particular, which functions as a professional social media outlet for engineers, offering product information, technical support, and online forums where they can connect with peers.

Knight agrees that the collaborative spirit of the Internet offers a key opportunity for distributors to harness the technology’s power.

“How best to integrate the Internet into our business, which is a more traditional model of people on people, that’s the question,” says Knight. “[We need to address] how best to integrate the Internet element in a way that’s good for our customers, good for our suppliers, and truly additive to our business.”

Struggle: The Economy

For many distributors, 2013 has been a year of pleasant surprises thus far. Most entered the year expecting little by way of growth and were surprised by better than anticipated bookings in the first quarter. Although few will point to the quarter as a harbinger of what’s to come, most of the Top 50 remain cautiously optimistic about the industry outlook given the tough global economic climate they’re struggling against.

“I can’t see anybody being unhappy with the first quarter. I think it was much better than expected. But these are good short-term trends. I’m unsure they’ll hold for the year,” says Sager’s Aruri. “The economic backdrop has improved marginally. It’s in an area you’d term stable versus robust. But even in this atmosphere there’s an opportunity to pick up market share for those who really achieved something internally over the last year.”

Lindsley Ruth, executive vice president for Future Electronics, number three on this year’s list, agrees. He says 2012 was an investment year for Future and that the company is already seeing the benefits of that internal focus this year.

Lindsley Ruth, executive vice president for Future Electronics

“At Future, we’re very optimistic about this year. Last year was a year of investment, and we’re beginning to reap the benefits of that investment,” Ruth explains, noting investments in new salespeople, inventory, and customer-focused programs around supply chain management and e-commerce. “We’re seeing an uptick in demand, so we’re gaining confidence as we go. We’re looking at a year in the supply chain that will be up in the high single digits to low double-digits.”

Ruth points to customer-relationship management as another key investment area for Future Electronics. Salespeople are trained to focus on building relationships and streamlining operations throughout the channel, for instance.

“We like to move from a pure transactional relationship with the customer to more of a true partnership [in which we] share resources and help the customer increase their business,” Ruth explains. “If we can help the customer with their customer, we’re adding more value than the competition.”

Looking at particular markets, many of the Top 50 say they anticipate continued growth in the automotive industry, resurgence in the medical markets, and growth in the aerospace segment, particularly commercial avionics. This will be offset by a downturn in military and defense, according to some. Smaller niche market distributors such as Sager are capitalizing on the trends.

“Sager focuses on the industrial, medical, and instrumentation markets,” says Aruri. “All of these markets have been either stable or growing and I’m confident in our ability to pick up market share in this environment.”

For larger players such as Avnet, who cast a wider net, the outlook is a bit more complex. Ed Smith, Americas president for Avnet Electronics Marketing, characterizes 2013 as steady and “not very exciting.” Despite the tough market conditions Avnet remains number one on SourceESB’s Top 50 for the third straight year. Smith points to strength in automotive and aerospace industries and slowing conditions in military/defense markets this year.

“When I look at the industrials, I think they’re still pretty flat and not very exciting—and in the Americas, we’re driven by that,” Smith says. “So, [conditions] are not very exciting, but there are some glimmers of hope in automotive and aerospace.”

Regionally, Avnet has seen growth in Mexico as customers begin to move manufacturing business from Asia back to the Americas, Smith adds. The re-shoring trend has been the topic of much industry buzz in the last year, and many say it’s unfolding more slowly than they’d hoped. Large independent distributor N.F. Smith & Associates, number 10 on this year’s list, expanded its operations in Guadalajara, Mexico, last year to accommodate increased business among its manufacturing customers in the region, for example. Company COO Matt Hartzell points to rising wages and housing costs in China in particular as a key reason some manufacturers are beginning to move or consider moving some manufacturing operations back toward North and Central America.

“You might see a continuation of that if labor and real estate prices continue to climb in China,” he says.

For others, re-shoring is still a distant trend they hope is soon realized. TTI’s Knight says the issue is still more talk than reality among his customers, but adds that he thinks such opportunities will eventually materialize.

“I am watching out for it like a hawk,” Knight says. “I’m reading a lot about it. In our own business we’re aware of some customers who are talking about doing it, but I can’t say I can actually yet put my finger on a piece of business that is booking and shipping in North America that yesterday was booking and shipping in Asia or somewhere else. But I do have reason to believe it is coming. And that has good long-term implications for our economy and our industry.”

New Wrinkle: Regulatory Issues

Counterfeit components and the need for quality assurance is a growing concern among the Top 50 distributors. The issue transcends the authorized/independent line as customers seek quality assurance documentation on a range of levels from all their trading partners, placing new pressure and more work on distributors of all shapes and sizes.

The issue has been building since the late 2011 passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes new rules and regulations around counterfeit electronic parts found in the defense supply chain. The NDAA includes, or directs government agencies to include, new rules for defense contractors and impose steep penalties on those who supply counterfeit components to the military. As a result, contractors are seeking new assurances from their suppliers that the parts they are purchasing are authentic.

The issue has shined a light on the independent distribution market, and distributors such as N.F. Smith & Associates say they have seen a consolidation in that market that may signify a turning point for the industry. The heightened focus on quality is raising the bar among independents, and those that don’t offer testing and other vital quality assurances simply aren’t making the grade.

“We’ve seen a lot of consolidating among the independents and the cream has kind of risen,” says Marc Barnhill, chief trading officer for N.F. Smith. “There aren’t as many as there used to be, and we think that’s a trend that will continue.”

The heightened focus on counterfeits is also affecting the authorized distribution channel. Authorized distributors purchase products directly from the manufacturer or other authorized distributors, in essence ensuring authenticity. But many large distributors are finding that some customers don’t understand the authorized model and are placing new demands on those distributors as well, most notably seeking certificates of compliance with every order. As a result, a group of authorized distributors is working through the industry’s G19 Committee—an SAE International group that works to address prevention, detection, and electronics industry response to the counterfeit threat—to define authorized distribution.

Pete Shopp, senior vice president, business operations for Mouser Electronics, number 8, points to customers’ growing demand for traceability, noting that some customers are demanding access to manufacturer packing slips to ensure authenticity, for example.

“It’s all centered around making sure they have genuine parts, and that’s understandable given the emphasis by the Department of Defense,” says Shopp. “We’re involved with several industry groups promoting authorized distribution and what that means. We even have someone working with the G19 committee trying to come up with a definition of authorized distribution.”

The issue concerns Sager’s Aruri, as well, particularly because it’s beginning to spill over to non-defense industries.

“The need for [certificates of compliance] has crossed from the military world to the commercial world,” says Aruri. “Customers have a need to cover themselves in this area, so they’re starting to require [certificates of compliance] with every order. Distribution is not set up to do this. We all have traceability if we’re requested to go back, but it’s very challenging to do it [up front].”

Aruri says Sager is likewise involved in industry efforts to explain and promote the authorized channel. 

“We’re participating in any initiative that encourages people to buy from authorized distributors,” he says.

Outlook: More Electronics, More Business

Despite the challenges ahead, SourceESB’s Top 50 Electronics Distributors say the long-term outlook is bright for the electronics supply chain. Avnet’s Smith points to the growing amount of electronics in the automotive industry as a shining example, and he also notes that increasing demand for electronics in areas of limited growth, such as defense, are good reason for a positive view. Others agree, pointing to the proliferation of electronics in industrial applications, consumer markets, and more.

“Certainly, one of the reasons to be enthusiastic about being in the technology industry is the expansion of these [components] to other industries. Industrial applications, oil and gas, automotive—every month, every year these components get put into equipment that they weren’t in the year before. Just look at the technology in your refrigerator,” says N.F. Smith & Associates’ Hartzell. “We are poised to always stay on top of wherever that market expands.”

Download the list of Top 50 Distributors 2013

The Methodology Behind Our Survey

The Source ESB staff and Penton Media’s research department began our 2013 Top 50 Distributors survey in February, contacting hundreds of North American electronics distributor locations via e-mail and on GlobalPurchasing.com. Throughout February and March, the staff narrowed the online submission forms to 50, ranking each company based on total sales volume and ensuring that each had a major presence in the North American electronic components distribution market.

Each company in the list is ranked according to its total global sales volume, and all figures are reported in U.S. dollars. We used self-reported data from each company and verified the information against annual reports and earnings statements, where possible, as well as in follow-up interviews with some of the companies at the top of the list. Yet there’s more than meets the eye with some of the companies at the top of our list.

Figures for Avnet Inc., ranked number one, and Arrow Electronics, ranked number two, include the sale of computer products, which comprise large segments of each company’s business. Other companies in the list also sell computer products along with electrical products and equipment. As a result, figures in the “active” and “I/P/E” categories may not add to 100% for each top-ranked distributor.

Sales listed for privately held Future Electronics, number three, are based on Source ESB estimates.

Figures for Allied Electronics, number four, reflect its worldwide sales as part of Britain-based Electrocomponents plc, which also operates RS Components in Europe. The figure here is a company-provided, fiscal-year estimate for global sales. Allied’s sales were roughly $420 million in 2012. Likewise, sales for number six, Newark element14, reflect worldwide sales as part of its parent company, Britain-based Premier Farnell. 

Our goal is to provide a comprehensive list of the largest electronic components distributors doing business in North America. We will begin compiling information for next year’s report early in 2014.

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