Evans Distribution Systems - Progressive Distribution Center (Detroit, Michigan)

 Upload a photo

Starting out in 1929, as a single warehouse in the heart of Detroit, Michigan's wholesale and jobbing district, Evans has grown to incorporate 2 warehousing and distribution companies (Central Detroit Warehouse and Progressive Distribution Centers), 3 truckload carriers (Merchants Forwarding Co., Maverig Freight and Alden Logistics), a transportation management company (Evans Logistics) and a temporary staffing agency (Evans Resource Solutions). Evans Distribution Systems provides warehousing and distribution, transportation, contract packaging and quality inspection services for companies in the automotive, chemical, food and beverage and consumer products industries.


Ternstedt Manufacturing


The 600,000m sq. ft., West Fort Street warehouse was constructed in 1917 for Ternstedt Manufacturing. Ternstedt was named after its founder, Alvar K. Ternstedt, inventor of the first practical car window regulator. A native of Sweden, he applied for a patent on his invention in 1911 but it was not granted until 1916.

The regulator utilized a chain and sprocket mechanism that offered greater ease of operation than any previous device. Ternstedt needed financial backing to start his own company so in 1917 he invited the FisherBrothers and several others to join him. At that time, the Fisher organization was already the largest body-building firm in the world. At a meeting in Detroit on April 17, 1917, the Ternstedt Manufacturing Co. was incorporated. Ternstedt was elected chairman. The seven other directors were four of the Fisher brothers and three other major Fisher Body Company shareholders.

Ternstedt didn’t live long enough to enjoy the success of his venture. He died six months later and in 1920, Fisher Body acquired the Ternstedt firm. When Fisher Body became a division of GM in 1926, Ternstedt became a division within Fisher Body. Ternstedt became a separate division in 1948 and 20 years later, reverted back Fisher Body.

www.evansdist.com/default.aspx