Z & I Aero Services Ltd.
14 South Wharf Road, Paddington, London W2 (1951)

Zaerix Electronics Limited
46 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5SF (1981)
Electron House, Cray Avenue. St Mary Cray, Orpington. Kent BR5 3PN (1983)

Tube Brand: Zaerix

Z & I Aero Services Ltd., trading as Zaerix, was a UK-based distributor and re-brander of electronic valves sourced globally, including from Soviet Bloc countries and major manufacturers like Mullard, serving retail, government, and OEM markets primarily from the 1950s through the 1970s. In the 1980s, Zaerix Electronics became part of Electron House before being acquired by Richardson Electronics in 1986, which integrated Zaerix’s distribution network into its expanding global electronics components business.

Origins and Early Development

Z & I Aero Services Ltd. was established in London, originally operating from 14 South Wharf Road, Paddington, W2, in the early 1950s [1]. The company began as an avionics and electronic components supplier for the aviation and industrial sectors but soon expanded into broader electronics distribution [2].

The Zaerix Brand

By the mid-1960s, Z & I Aero Services adopted the brand name Zaerix for its electronics distribution activities [3]. The company became widely recognised as a major UK-based re-brander and distributor of electronic valves (vacuum tubes) and components. Zaerix did not manufacture its valves; instead, it sourced surplus and bulk valves from a wide range of global manufacturers, including those from the UK (such as Mullard and Brimar), Eastern Europe (notably Russia, East Germany, and Hungary), Japan, Brazil, and the United States. These products were then relabelled and distributed under the Zaerix name, often packaged in distinctive green and white boxes.

Zaerix supplied a diverse customer base, from retail and hobbyist markets to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and government agencies, including the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO. The company provided guarantees that its valves met the required specifications and was known for offering reliable products and honest advice to its customers.

Business Model and Sourcing

Zaerix’s business model centred on acquiring valves from various manufacturers-sometimes as surplus or unbranded stock, and rebranding them for sale in the UK and abroad. The actual origin of a Zaerix-branded valve could vary widely, and only those familiar with factory codes or construction details could identify the true manufacturer. In the 1970s, Zaerix also imported test equipment from the USSR, such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and chart recorders [4].

Reputation and Market Role

Zaerix developed a reputation for supplying quality valves at competitive prices. While the company did not manufacture its products, it was considered a reputable distributor, especially compared to other re-labellers who were less discerning about the origins or quality of their stock. Zaerix played a key role in enabling large manufacturers to sell surplus or unlabelled valves into the replacement market without devaluing their primary brands.

Expansion and Corporate Changes in the 1980s

1980: Zaerix Electronics acquired the Mazda radio valves and tubes marketing business from Thorn Brimar Ltd., including the complete valve stock and testing facilities. Customer service and quality control were maintained at Zaerix’s new headquarters at 46 Westbourne Grove, London W2 [5].

1983: By this time, Zaerix Electronics was a principal subsidiary of Electron House (Holdings), based at Electron House, Cray Avenue, St Mary Cray, Orpington, Kent. In October 1983, Grosvenor Development Capital purchased a 30% equity interest in Electron House, investing £0.5 million in ordinary shares and providing additional working capital. Electron House’s main subsidiaries were House of Power, Zaerix Electronics, and Hall Electric, all focused on importing and distributing electronic components [6].

1986: In 1986, Richardson Electronics, a US-based multinational, acquired the principal operating companies, Hall Electric Ltd. and Zaerix Electronics Ltd., from Electron House PLC. This acquisition was part of Richardson’s broader strategy to expand its presence in the UK and European markets, integrating the established distribution channels and expertise of Hall and Zaerix into Richardson’s global operations [7].

1988: Following the transfer of their business operations to Richardson Electronics, Electron House PLC and its subsidiaries, including Zaerix Electronics Ltd. (then renamed Elec Two Limited), entered members’ voluntary liquidation in April 1988. This legal process was a standard post-acquisition step to dissolve the now-redundant UK corporate entities, as their business activities had been absorbed by Richardson and there was no longer a commercial purpose for their continued existence [8].

Legacy

Z & I Aero Services Ltd. and its Zaerix brand were instrumental in shaping the UK’s electronics supply market through innovative sourcing, rebranding, and distribution strategies. Their legacy is reflected in the continued recognition of the Zaerix name among vintage electronics enthusiasts and professionals, as well as their role in connecting global manufacturers with the UK and European markets.

[1] Flight Sep 5, 1958, Page 77.
[2] RSGB Bulletin Jun 1961, Page 552.
[3] Practical Wireless World Feb 1965, Page 1013.
[4] Wireless World Jan 1973, Page a14.
[5] Wireless World Dec 1980, Page 48.
[6] Financial Times Oct 24, 1983, Page 26.
[7] Richardson Electronics, Broadcast Catalogue, 1989, Page 2.
[8] London Gazette Apr 7, 1988, Page 4128.