CST Electronics - 27 March 2002

CST Electronics was formed in 1995 by Craig and Lindy Thomson. The company was primarily focused on service and support to the military industry but soon grew to other markets.

In 1997 the merge between Tarsus Components and CST Electronics formed a new and very dynamic company. The existing staff at Tarsus combined with Craig Thomson's marketing knowledge soon proved to be a formidable force in the industry and the company doubled its turnover within 18 months. In 1998 the company secured the distribution rights for Panasonic Components and this, combined with Dallas Semiconductors and the other franchises enabled the company to offer a large mix of components to its end customer base. In 2000 CST Electronics' sales grew Dallas' products to become the fifth largest distributor in the European region. Based on the company sales and marketing efforts early in 2000 the company was appointed sole distributor for Dallas Semiconductors. 1 April, 2000, saw CST Electronics purchase Analog Data Products, a Midrand-based company handling the Analog Devices semiconductor line. This complemented the Dallas Semiconductor line and sales continued to grow.

Following the untimely death of Dallas Semiconductors' CEO, the company was sold to Maxim Integrated Products. Following several meetings and discussions with Maxim in mid-2001 CST Electronics, was appointed sole Maxim/Dallas distributor for South Africa, and Arrow-Altech's distributorship terminated, as they previously held the Maxim line.

The conflict between the products of Maxim and Analog Devices necessitated the formation of a new company to handle one of the lines and on 1 September 2001 Analog Data Products was re-formed. This company, located in Bramley Park, is headed up by Stephen Silberman, assisted by Stella Homan, Craig Gibbs, Maya Shatkovsky and Jeff Mann. CST Electronic's current focus is in the growth of the Maxim products line, however, but not at the expense of the Dallas sales. This has proved very successful over the past few months and good growth is expected in the months to come. Cecile Wolhuter is now responsible for Dallas/Maxim and all the other semiconductor lines and is ably assisted by field applications engineer, Gareth Kneale.

CST Electronics expects good future growth in the year ahead and is optimistic in achieving its short and long term goals.

CST Electronics

011 452 0706

cthomson@cstelectronics.co.za