RS Group plc

RS offers a robust portfolio of products essential for unlocking the superior precision, efficiency, quality, economy, and reliability of smart closed-loop motion control systems, as well as the technical expertise needed to simplify the transition from unintegrated open-loop systems.

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RS, a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, offers the products, services, and expertise needed to build smarter, more integrated motion control systems optimized for discrete and process manufacturing, material handling and packaging, logistics, and utility applications.

The stakes of motion control

Precise coordination between motors, drives, and feedback devices is necessary for connected, data-driven Industry 4.0 operations proven to improve efficiency, quality, and reliability and reduce unplanned downtime. When systems lack this integration, the impact is immediate:

• Operational risk: Open-loop systems execute commands blindly, without feedback, increasing the risk of drift, variability, and inefficiency. Additionally, motors and drives with mismatched combinations of power ratings, signal types, or electrical characteristics can diminish system performance, waste energy, reduce efficiency, and lead to bearing and equipment failures.
  
  
  
  
• Resource strain: Maintenance managers must balance rising system complexity and uptime demands with limited staffing, which creates an endless cycle of reactive work and operational risk.
  
  
  
  
• Diagnostic gaps: Without real-time data from encoders, maintainers are forced to troubleshoot issues and failures without the insights that quickly reveal root causes.

Smart closed-loop motion control systems with integrated motors and encoders are one of the most economical and impactful ways for small- and medium-sized manufacturers to avoid these pitfalls.

Smart solutions for integrated systems

RS offers an extensive selection of high-quality motion components designed to support data-driven control architectures that enhance system visibility, strengthen equipment reliability, and maximize uptime in applications including robotic systems, CNC machines, and pick-and-place assembly lines. Essential solutions include:

• Servomotors, like Festo EMMT-AS servomotors. Designed for dynamic, high-precision applications, like robotics and assembly equipment, these brushless, synchronous AC motors feature a unique, space-saving one-cable plug design, which consolidates power and encoder signals and simplifies installation. They also feature IP67-rated housings, integrated temperature sensors and absolute encoders, and optional holding brakes and exhibit excellent controllability, reliability, precision, and path fidelity in addition to low cogging torque for superior tracking accuracy, even at low speeds. And when combined with Festo's broader portfolio of electromechanical actuators, motors, drive controllers, and control systems, they create cohesive motion control platforms optimized for demanding, dynamic positioning applications.
  
  
  
  
• AC motors like ABB Baldor‑Reliance V*S Master AC motors. Especially engineered for inverter- and vector-duty applications, these motors feature Class F insulation that exceeds NEMA requirements, reliably protects against corona discharge, voltage stress, and high-temperature operation, and ensures long lifetime performance in variable‑speed applications. They also feature standard NEMA frames in sizes 56C to L449T and provisions for encoder mounting, support both open- and closed-loop control, as well as up to 500hp and 200% overload torque, and provide precise 1,000:1 continuous torque from zero to base speed, which makes them ideal for demanding processes like extruders, winders, and conveyors.
  
  
  
  
• AC drives like Lenze i550 cabinet frequency inverters. Designed for versatility, reliability, scalability, efficiency, and ease of use, these drives feature small, IP20 form factors optimized for crowded control cabinets in conveyor, hoist, winder, extruder, pump, fan, and packaging applications. They meet the Ecodesign Energy Efficiency for Power Drive standard, offer SIL 3 Safe Torque Off functionality, and support an extensive range of compatible communication protocols — including CANopen, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, IO‑Link, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, POWERLINK, PROFIBUS, and PROFINET — which makes them easy to integrate into a variety of different automation architectures. They're also available as complete devices or as separate power, control, and safety unit components, which further increases their flexibility.
  
  
  
  
• I/O systems like Phoenix Contact's Axioline F remote I/O system. Designed to transmit I/O signals from devices like motors and encoders to a central PLC, the Axioline F system features a rugged, compact, modular design with push-in connections for rapid installation, bus couplers compatible with all common Ethernet systems, and PROFINET redundancy for failsafe performance. It supports a wide range of I/O modules with digital and analog inputs and outputs and a variety of functions and applications, including safety applications, and supports fast signal acquisition and integration with edge PLC systems, which increases machine output and enables real-time process visibility, predictive maintenance, early fault detection, and faster troubleshooting. It also reliably withstands up to 5g vibration, 10g continuous shock, and 30g intermittent shock and operating temperatures extending from -40°C and +70°C.

Expert support and technical services

For more information about these and other smart motion control products available at RS, check out "Integrating motors and encoders for smarter motion control" by RS Technical Application Support Manager Mark Russell and visit the embedded links above.  

For assistance identifying, procuring, deploying, and maintaining the components and devices needed to install or upgrade to smart motion control systems — or overcoming common concerns about configuration and programming, control complexity, system and network integration, and budget constraints — contact your local RS representative at 1.866.433.5722 or reach out to the RS technical support team.

PR Image Download: 

RS Motors & Encoders PR.jpg

About RS

RS is a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably. We operate in 36 markets, stock over 830,000 industrial and specialist products, and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations. We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital, and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it's our people that make the difference. Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people, planet, and profit. 

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1, and in the year ended March 31, 2025, reported revenue of $3,381.64 million. For more information, please visit https://www.rsgroup.com/ or connect with us on LinkedIn or X (Twitter).

About RS in the Americas 

In the Americas region, RS stocks more than 250,000 industrial and electronic products from more than 700 trusted suppliers. These solutions cover categories extending from automation and control equipment to interconnect, passive, active, and electromechanical components and include more than 90,000 high-quality, competitively priced RS PRO products. For more information, please visit https://us.rs-online.com or connect with us via social media on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

Editorial Contact & Media Inquiries:

Laurie Tortorello, Director of People & Culture Communications, RS Americas

Laurie.Tortorello@rsgroup.com

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SOURCE RS

RS continues to fulfill its purpose of Making Amazing Happen for a Better World and becoming the first choice for all of its stakeholders one achievement at a time.

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RS, a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, continued to embody its corporate purpose of Making Amazing Happen for a Better World in fiscal year 2026 (FY26), which concluded on March 31.

This year's corporate accomplishments range from securing top-tier environmental ratings to fostering an award-winning workplace culture and launching life-changing international partnerships and illustrate the company's commitment to fulfilling its purpose.  

A culture of inclusion

RS believes that its people are what truly make the difference, and its adherence to this philosophy was validated in FY26 by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, which presented RS with its second consecutive Equality 100 Award. By earning another perfect score of 100 on the HRC Foundation's 2026 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) after years of improving scores, RS soundly established itself as a leader in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion in the United States.

RS also proved that its commitment to equity isn't confined by borders by participating in the HRC Equidad MX: Global Workplace Equality Program, the Mexico-based initiative inspired by the HRC's annual CEI, for the first time and earning a perfect score of 100 and a Best Places to Work LGBTQ+ 2026 certification in that report as well.

These accolades place RS among an elite group of businesses — one of only 534 in the U.S. and 189 in Mexico — to achieve this level of excellence.

RS was also ranked 67th in the 2025 Top 100 North American Inspiring Workplaces Awards, further cementing its reputation as a premier employer.

By prioritizing wellbeing, inclusion, and a positive, people-first culture, RS continues to create an environment where 8,500 global employees feel they truly belong, which leads to increased engagement, productivity, and overall success.

Sustainability as a strategy

For stakeholders concerned with long-term resilience, RS's FY26 ESG performance offers strong reassurance. The company recognizes that, in today's economy, environmental risk is financial risk and has successfully woven environmental stewardship into its governance, strategy, and operations and embraced transparency as a tool for resilience, opportunity, and growth, which led to its earning:

• CDP A List recognition — a distinction held by only the top 4% of nearly 20,000 scored companies in 2025 — for the second consecutive year, which reflects a rigorous commitment to balancing people, planet, and profit

• A third consecutive listing in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook, making it one of just 848 companies selected from the 9,200 assessed. This year, RS ranked 8^th among global trading companies and distributors and second in the European region.

• A fourth consecutive EcoVadis Platinum medal, placing it in the top 1% of over 150,000 companies globally for sustainability management.

These awards represent the significant progress that RS is making towards its 2030 ESG action plan, such as:

• Reducing carbon emissions by 64% and product transport emissions intensity by 35% since its 2019/20 baseline*

• Including over 50% recycled content in 93% of packaging — 96% of which is recyclable*

• Offering around 33,000 sustainable Better World products from more than 170 suppliers to help customer meet their own sustainability goals*

• Collaborating with suppliers to prioritize carbon reductions, optimize sourcing and distribution routes, and improve the sustainability features and benefits of their products

*As at Q3 2025/26

The power of partnership

RS's character is also evident in its choice of community and commercial partnerships. The company's new three-year partnership with SolarAid is a flagship FY26 achievement that aims to raise $1.3 million to provide clean, safe solar lighting to 150,000 people living in rural African communities without access to electricity and extends beyond financial donations. RS is using its maintenance, repair, and operations expertise to directly support SolarAid's global and local repair programs, helping to create a circular solar economy in off-grid communities, and encouraging employees to get involved through skills-based volunteering, on-the-ground engagement, fundraising challenges, and awareness-raising initiatives.

On the commercial front, RS launched a strategic partnership with DP Gayatri (DPG) in FY26 to further its goal of being widely recognized as a first choice total solutions provider. By combining RS's extensive supply chain, consisting of 3.9 million product lines, with DPG's expertise in contract assembly and robotics, this partnership will help industrial manufacturers modernize and accelerate factory performance with precision.

The strategic partnership leverages RS's supply chain strength, backed by 3.9 million products lines, and DPG's proven expertise in full-service contract assembly, automation, and industrial consulting services to help industrial organizations across various industries solve their toughest production challenges, reduce complexity and streamline procurement, shorten development cycles and lead times, and develop efficient, resilient solutions engineered to overcome current and future supply chain challenges.

Innovation and industry leadership

RS earned a Platinum 2025 MarCom Award for the innovative marketing and strategic communication efforts evinced by its RS Connect 2024 "The Power of Partnership" trade show, which was a resounding success — bringing more than 550 suppliers and customers together in Texas to discuss IIoT, sustainability, and workforce challenges in a series of main stage sessions, breakout panels, and show floor networking opportunities.

RS also earned recognition for its growing channel influence and operational infrastructure in FY26, with Supply Chain Connect ranking RS 13^th amongst the 2025 Top 50 Authorized North American Electronics Distributors and 16^th amongst the 2025 Top 50 Global Electronics Distributors.

More meaningful impact

RS Americas continues to be a driving force for good in the communities it serves. In FY26, the company also:

• Partnered with The Washing Machine Project to build and deploy groundbreaking off-grid washing machines to those who need them most

• Donated over $130,000 to organizations, including the American Red Cross, the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth, Wreaths Across America, the Water Project, Feeding America, Disabled American Veterans, the Breast Cancer Foundation, The Clubhouse for Special Needs, Hilliard Food Pantry, Homes for our Troops, and the Young Women's Leadership Academy of Fort Worth.

• Provided employees with paid volunteer days, which resulted in approximately 3,100 hours of support for various nonprofits, including The Archway domestic abuse shelter, The Welman Project for waste reduction, Gay4Good, 6stones, Wreaths Across America, the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth, and Homes for our Troops.

RS: Your first choice for a better world

RS supports industrial customers across the product life cycle — from innovation and technical support in the design phase to improving time to market and productivity in the build phase and reducing purchasing costs and optimizing inventory in the maintenance phase — via a comprehensive portfolio of proven products and trusted services essential for operational success and designed to save both time and money.

With global revenue of over $3.3 billion and a presence in 36 markets, RS has the scale to make a difference. However, it's the way RS operates — with transparency, effective support for its employees, and a relentless focus on sustainable innovation — that truly defines its character.

Whether it's delivering a critical component to a customer on a factory floor or providing a solar light to a family in Malawi, RS continues to fulfill its promise of Making Amazing Happen for a Better World one achievement at a time.

PR Image Download: 

RS FY26 Accomplishments PR.jpg

About RS

RS is a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably. We operate in 36 markets, stock over 830,000 industrial and specialist products, and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations. We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital, and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it's our people that make the difference. Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people, planet, and profit. 

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1, and in the year ended March 31, 2025, reported revenue of $3,381.64 million. For more information, please visit https://www.rsgroup.com/ or connect with us on LinkedIn or X (Twitter).

About RS in the Americas 

In the Americas region, RS stocks more than 250,000 industrial and electronic products from more than 700 trusted suppliers. These solutions cover categories extending from automation and control equipment to interconnect, passive, active, and electromechanical components and include more than 90,000 high-quality, competitively priced RS PRO products. For more information, please visit https://us.rs-online.com or connect with us via social media on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

Editorial Contact & Media Inquiries:

Laurie Tortorello, Director of People & Culture Communications, RS Americas

Laurie.Tortorello@rsgroup.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rs-celebrates-making-amazing-happen-in-fy26-302746831.html

SOURCE RS