Ingram sets sights on components sector

Ingram Micro is to go head-to-head with its fiercest rivals in the components market to increase its competitiveness.

The distributor has appointed Pieter Waasdorp, former European mass storage business manager, to lead its components business unit, and lured back several ex-employees, including Lex Wallet from CHS, in preparation for entering the crowded but lucrative market.

The division will be launched in the next couple of weeks.

It is the fourth business unit to be introduced by Ingram Micro as part of a restructure aimed at helping the distributor maintain its position in the sector.

Waasdorp said Ingram has established the components business to take advantage of a $2.5bn market.

He claimed that Ingram will not offer rock-bottom prices, which could spark a price war.

"While an entrant in the market always has a potential for lower prices, I don't really see this happening in the next couple of months because besides competitive prices, Ingram can offer its customers other services and benefits," Waasdorp claimed.

He said several vendors, including Quantum, Seagate and Toshiba, had already signed up, and it should have most manufacturers on its books by the end of the month.