Richardson Electronics functions as both a specialized distributor and a value-added manufacturer, engineer, and system integrator. While the company historically built its foundational reputation as a trusted global distributor of electronic components, electron tubes, and power devices, its business model has significantly transformed. Today, it places a heavy emphasis on proprietary engineering, custom manufacturing, and technical design services. They create customized sub-assemblies, power modules, and specialized industrial display solutions, meaning they combine traditional component distribution channels with high-level engineering capabilities to serve niche industrial, medical, and green energy sectors.