Evansville – 1912
Louisville – 2002
Indianapolis – 2009
Ft. Wayne – 2009
Memphis – 2016
St. Louis – 2019
1912 – 1968
Our History and Heritage
In 1912 the business began as an automotive parts operation serving the “new” emerging automotive market. Owned by a group of local men, the business originally began as “Kramer Brothers,” then sometime around 1920 became “Evansville Auto Parts Company”. In 1928 the business was incorporated as Evansville Auto Parts, Inc. The original location was on the Evansville riverfront at 201 Northwest Riverside Drive.
In the 1930’s and 40’s business grew in many ways. As the auto parts market expanded, many auto parts stores sprang up in smaller communities surrounding Evansville. We evolved into a wholesale distributor supplying parts to these auto parts businesses. In 1931 we expanded by adding an engine machine shop and engine rebuilding operation to serve the automotive, agricultural and industrial engine markets. Dealerships were acquired for many brands of industrial engines to serve the oil fields, coal mining, construction and agricultural markets. In addition, a new division was started to supply materials to the growing automotive refinishing (body shop) market.
In the 1950’s we began shifting our focus towards industrial engines and industrial equipment. Distributorships were acquired for a variety of product lines such as Onan electric generators, Wabco air compressors, Continental engines, Peabody Barnes pumps and many others.
1950’s
Begin to shift focus towards industrial engines and industrial equipment
1968 – 1998
Evolved Into an Industrial Equipment Distributor
In 1968 we built a new facility at 5 E. Riverside Drive in Evansville and moved our operations away from the riverfront approximately 1 mile.
During the period from the 50’s thru the 70’s the automotive side of our company was gradually overtaken by the “industrial side”. By the 70’s we had evolved into an industrial equipment distributor focused on electric power generation, compressed air and industrial engines (gas and diesel).
While the name Evansville Auto Parts, Inc. had become well known and respected over the many years, it was no longer indicative of our business. In 1981 we came up with a new name for our company; we decided to call ourselves EVAPAR.
We focused on growing our business by expanding our product offerings and increasing our capabilities, while maintaining our commitment to customer service. We have embraced new technologies such as emission control devices, remote monitoring, digital control systems, and energy savings equipment.
1981
New name born – EVAPAR
1998 – 2008
Continued Growth
By the mid 90’s we had outgrown our facility at 5 E. Riverside Drive and began searching for a new home. In 1997 we purchased a tract of land on the north side of Evansville located just off Highway 41 at 9000 N. Kentucky Avenue. Planning began and in 1998 construction began on the approx. 30,000 sq. ft. office/warehouse/shop facility. We moved into this new facility in June 1999.
As we continued to grow, we expanded our geographic coverage into Central & Eastern Kentucky. In 2004 we opened a branch location in Louisville, KY., located in the Bluegrass Industrial Park on the S.E. side of Louisville.
Growth continued and by 2006 we had outgrown both the Evansville facility and the Louisville location. We purchased a lot and constructed a new facility in Louisville, KY at 11120 Plantside Drive which we moved into in October 2007. Also in 2007 we expanded our Evansville facility to accommodate our growth.
2016 – 2020
Always Do
What Is Right.
BOOSTED CAPABILITIES – Added test Room and Training LAB
BROADENED COVERAGE WESTWARD
Several major expansions were undertaken in this period. First in 2016, EVAPAR opened its Memphis Branch location at 10044 Vista Cove, Olive Branch, Mississippi. We also completed some major expansions at the Evansville headquarters including an Engine Dyno Test Room, a 2,500 sq. ft. Training Center with hands on lab and seated classroom, and a 5,000 sq. ft. warehouse to expand our storage and stagging capability. Then in 2019 our territory coverage expanded westward with the opening of our St. Louis Branch located at 4219 Earth City Expressway, Earth City, Missouri. Both these new branch locations offer full support: Parts, Service, Rentals, and Sales.
Also, near the end of 2019 Dave Dazey stepped down as President (1993-2019), assuming a Vice President role, with Jason States promoted into his role as President. Dave’s leadership, vision and commitment has shaped EVAPAR into what it is today. He has provided the pillars of what will define our ongoing success well into the future. These principles are be the best at everything we do, provide superior customer service and support, and Always Do What Is Right.
2020 – FUTURE
Built a new facility in Louisville, KY
EVAPAR purchased land to build a new facility for the Louisville Branch in 2020. In early 2021, we will move into a new 23,000 sq. ft. office/warehouse/shop at 2920 Blankenbaker Road, less than 2 miles from our current location in Louisville, KY. The new facility will accommodate strong growth that has been achieved in the Kentucky and Southern Indiana market and be the base of operations to support that territory for many years to come.