In aerospace, automotive, global defense, and other demanding industries, working with trusted suppliers is critical. Not only do parts need to be readily available, but they must be delivered quickly, and few realize this more than Rayfast USA.
Previously IS-Motorsport, Rayfast USA is part of the Interconnect Solutions Group (ISG). Additionally, ISG is proud to be a part of Diploma PLC. Listed on the London Stock Exchange and part of the FTSE100 , Diploma PLC is an international and decentralized group of businesses delivering practical, value-add solutions to customers across a broad range of industries.
As an international group of companies, ISG draws on the strengths of its eight global locations. With well-respected entities under its umbrella like Rayfast UK, Sommer, Filcon, LJR Electronics, Cabletec, and Gremtek, customers can order high-performance metal braided products, connectors, customized cables, rugged industrial electrical connectors with molded shells, accessories, tooling, heat-shrink tubing, bespoke assemblies, and many other items to meet their exact needs.
Global supplier
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Rayfast USA is known as “the global supplier of specialized electrical solutions with the personal touch” for many reasons. Much more than a supplier, the company is renowned for its outstanding technical support, industry-wide innovation, customer service, and knowledge-based, cost-effective solutions. With an average NPS of 80+, the Rayfast model delivers exceptional customer satisfaction. From cable solutions to cutting services and pre-print services to logistics, clients can tailor-fit products to meet their specific needs and applications.
“We don’t curtail our business model depending on size,” says Nick Prudden, Sales Director USA. “If you’re one of the big guys, or the small guys, you get the same level of service. With personal touch, you are working with a representative.”
In the electrical space, there are a lot of large competitors, including multibillion-dollar distributors with deep pockets, lots of resources, and a significant online presence. Although impressive, it can be difficult—sometimes impossible—to reach someone since some larger companies do not have sales representatives or technical experts in specific product areas. “They are great for what they stock, and if the project is large enough, you can usually get someone to help you out, but don’t expect the level of technical expertise customers often need, as their range is far too wide to be experts in any particular area,” comments Prudden, “so the companies who need technical support and the smaller guys are left behind.”
Expanding into new markets
To ensure customers in all markets, including motorsport, civil aviation, medical, and industrial receive prompt, professional service, Rayfast has a global technical support staff, over 60,000 stock keeping units (SKUs), and a speedy 24-hour turnaround time. As a value-added distributor, Rayfast USA doesn’t specifically make components from raw materials, but has the capabilities to do some processing, such as re-spooling and labelling.
Rayfast USA carries a vast assortment of industry-specific products to meet every need. A one-stop solution provider carrying just-in-time inventory, the company has all kinds of wire and cable, heat- and non-shrink tubing, molded parts and shapes, interconnect and termination devices, connectors, adaptors and backshells, cable management systems, and more.
Since 2001, much of Rayfast’s core business has been high-end global motorsport, such as Formula 1® Racing, IndyCar (NTT IndyCar Series), NASCAR, and MotoGP. The company’s main business was supplying wiring harness components that go into wiring looms on cars.
Over the past few years, Rayfast has been developing its Aerospace, Defense, Industrial, Oil & Gas, and Energy expertise. This growth includes military and naval applications, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL), and electric vehicles (EVs). “That has all been new business for us over the past few years, since we branched out from motorsports,” says Prudden. A recent franchise agreement with TE Connectivity for Aerospace and Defense is another accelerator in these areas.
Rayfast USA focuses on the wiring harness portion of electrical builds. “When we look for suppliers, we look for things that can bolster our offerings and capabilities in the space we are playing in,” Prudden explains. This includes working with manufacturers who are authorized to make products that meet military specifications, which gives Rayfast USA access to a greater range of military spec items.
Future goals
Following the acquisition of industrial electrical connector stocking distributor LJR Electronics a few years ago, LJR’s Dayton, Ohio warehouse was reformatted. This saw some walls being knocked out and changes made to racking and forklift systems. By reformatting the warehouse, Rayfast USA expanded the building’s capacity five times, increasing space for inventory and processing.
“The trajectory is up and up,” says Prudden of the company’s future, supported by Diploma, which focuses on value-added solutions, not just products. “We are lucky to have that backing, as it gives us the ability to bring on new partners and increase stocking packages. Our goal is to continue to push into the aerospace and defense industries.” Prudden envisions additional acquisitions in the future, all while maintaining Rayfast USA’s personal touch.
“How do we differentiate ourselves from the big, humongous, billion-dollar distributors?” he asks. “Our ISG Technical Academy Training Programmes are there to ensure we stay ahead of our customers’ needs. This enables our sales force to help our customers to find the right solutions for them, alongside ensuring that Rayfast USA has the right stock and value-add manufacturing capabilities to provide our customers the right stock in the right volumes for the right application, on time.”
