Evans Distribution Systems hires 250, grows sales 15% over last year

Evans Distribution Systems can now call itself a former small business, thanks to a large growth spurt over the last year that has allowed it to hire 250 people. The Melvindale-based logistics company now employs 575, up from 325 last year, and expects to continue growing. It now has a presence in seven states and has watched its revenue increase by 15 percent over the last year. The circa-1929 company expects its revenue to go up another 15 percent this year as it continues to hit on all cylinders. "We have actually enjoyed growth in all of our divisions, which is kind of unusual," says Leslie Ajlouny, vice president of business development for Evans Distribution Systems. "Usually we're growing in one division and flat in another." Those divisions range from warehousing to staffing. Its new employment staffing division, launched last year, has also helped bolster the company's sales. Much of that is due to the automotive industry, which has allowed Evans Distribution Systems to hire everyone from drivers to warehouse employees to staffing recruiters. "Not only do we support many of the automakers, but the automotive suppliers as well," Ajlouny says. "The growth in the automotive industry has driven a lot of our growth." Source: Leslie Ajlouny, vice president of business development for Evans Distribution Systems Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.