The history of EVAPAR has been one of continual evolution. Throughout this history we have remained focused on one constant and that is customer service. We have evolved to meet ever changing needs, markets, and technologies. We have focused our organization on providing our customers with the very best best service. The following is a brief history of our company since its beginning in 1912 up to today.
In 1912 a “new” emerging market was developing for replacement automotive parts. A young entrepreneur by the name of Herman Kramer recognized this opportunity and began selling new and used auto parts in the Evansville, IN area. As it was the first auto parts business in the city he named the business "Evansville Auto Parts Company". The company’s original location was at 201 Northwest Riverside Drive on the riverfront in downtown Evansville. The business prospered and grew and in 1928 was incorporated as Evansville Auto Parts, Inc…
In the 1930’s and 40’s buisness 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.
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 late 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.
Through out the 80’s and 90’s 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.
By the mid 90’s we have outgrown our facility at 5 E. Riverside Drive and began searching for a new home. In 1997 we purchased an 8 acre tract of land on the north side of Evansville located just off Hwy 41 at 9000 N. Kentucky Ave… Planning began and in 1998 construction began on the approx. 30,000 sq. ft. Office/warehouse/shop facility. We moved to 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 at 11540 Commonwealth Dr. Louisville, Ky., located in the Bluegrass Industrial Park on the S.E. side of Louisville.
Growth continued in all areas of the company and by 2006 we had outgrown both our Evansville and Louisville locations. In December 2006 be purchased a lot and existing facility in the Bluegrass Industrial Park in Louisville which would become the new home for our Louisville operations. In February 2007 we began an office expansion at our Evansville headquarters which was completed in April 2007. Also in April 2007 we began a renovation and expansion of the new location in Louisville. The “new” facility was completed in October 2007 at which time we relocated from the previous Commonwealth Dr. location to our new home in Louisville at 11120 Plantside Drive. This new facility is approx. 10,000 sq. ft. and is a full service operation which includes offices, showroom, parts dept. service dept. warehouse and fenced outside storage.
Today we are committed to continue our evolution as the premier provider of power generations systems, compressed air systems, and industrial engines & accessories while maintaining our core philosophy of superior customer service. We welcome the opportunity to be of service to you.
