Bell, Mitsubishi Electronics In Semiconductor Deal

Bell Microproducts Inc. signed a distribution agreement with Mitsubishi Electronics America Inc. that will expand its semiconductor and system component offerings to VARs.

"Their products are an excellent extension to our semiconductor line," said Ron Maybry, senior vice president of marketing for Bell Micro. "This partnership further expands our growing semiconductor offering to [our] large base of industrial and commercial customers."

Mitsubishi selected Bell Micro because of its extensive North American customer base and ability to provide technical development, field applications engineering and sales support for the entire product line, saidBob Olszewski, director of sales for operations, distribution and contract manufacturing for the vendor.

"Bell Micro seemed to offer us the best focus and capabilities to support our product line, he said. "And we fill a good portion of their line card in areas where they may have been weaker on the semiconductor side."

The San Jose-based distributor will offer a range of new semiconductor products, including Mitsubishi's semiconductor and system component products, low-power and fast static RAMs (SRAMs), flash memories, application-specific memories, microcontrollers and microwave filters. It also will provide storage products and flat-panel displays.