Europa is now a strategic electrical components and solutions partner to over 3,500 customers across the UK. Across our 50-year heritage, we’re proud to have built a reputation in the rapid delivery of quality products.
Our move to Luton in 2008
It all started in 1936, when the original Company, British Physical Laboratories(BPL), was founded by Dr Vernon Sheridan making test instruments to his designs. By the 1950s, BPL had established itself as a leading European manufacturer not only in instruments but also meters. In 1960 a factory was built in India – BPL (India) which in future years became one of the largest private companies in India.
In 1970 and 1974 the divisions of BPL were sold. BPL had been supplying RS Components since the early Sixties, not only with their own product but also factored lines from Europe and the Far East.
As Dr Sheridan had first visited China in 1956 and had open credit in the Far East, RS asked if he would like to source components for them and Europa Components was ‘born’.
From there, we quickly built relationships with key suppliers in the industry and continued supplying high-quality components to the market. Just 2 years later Farnell contacted Dr Sheridan to find out if he could help them with German made capacitors.
Current Chairman David Sheridan joined the Company in 1983 and realised fairly soon that a long term future in electronic components was not viable but that we could use our skill sets in supplying electrical components to the wholesaler to service the end-customer, the contractor. We quickly became one of the largest ‘independent’ suppliers of fuses in the UK and from that base, grew to a broad range of products.
We moved to our current Luton site in 2008 and within 5 years doubled in size. Always endeavouring to provide quality components at competitive prices allowing the wholesaler to make an attractive return. We continue to back our increasing range with full engineering support at Luton and are designing some of our own products to this day.
In 2015, Sonia Freed was appointed Managing Director.
Since then, we have seen the demand for smart sensors, instant analytics and technology-driven efficiencies grow steadily over recent years and we believe that the future for our customers lies in the injection of disruptive technology into previously monofunctional products. So in 2018, the Europa board took the strategic decision to adjust our focus to respond to the digitised challenges that our customers face, both now and in the future.
By 2021, we rebranded to reflect the strength and commitment to customer service excellence, collaboration and growth at Europa.
We continue to grow and invest in new technologies to provide enhanced customer service, such as our Fibre Laser Machine and CGI technology – including our brand new Sentinel Microsite. And we’re developing so much more which we are excited to share in the near future.
Keep an eye out for exciting opportunities throughout the year on our website and social media channels, to celebrate 50 fantastic years together!
