Suffolk News-Herald

An automotive parts distributor will be setting up shop in a 90,000-square-foot warehouse facility in southern Suffolk later this spring.

Evans Distribution Systems Inc. will be creating 25 new jobs and investing approximately $1.5 million in the distribution center slated to open in the Hampton Roads Logistics Facility, 101 Lummis Road, in May.

Evans Distribution, based in Detroit, is a full-service third party logistics provider of warehousing, transporting and value-added solutions. The company has experience with general merchandise, consumer goods and non-hazardous chemicals.

Over the years, the company has had long-term relationships with Ford Motor Co., DaimlerChrysler, Diageo, Anheuser-Busch and many more.

In Suffolk, the company will be handling and distributing automotive parts, said Tom O’Grady, the city’s economic development director. In addition, Evans will offer customers in the Hampton Roads area services such as pick and pack, pool distribution, quality inspection and sortation, and complete local and long-haul transportation services.

Suffolk’s close proximity to the Hampton Roads port was a key factor in Evan’s decision to locate in Suffolk, said city officials.

&uot;We are extremely pleased to welcome Evans Distribution Systems to our city,&uot; Mayor E. Dana Dickens III said. &uot;Suffolk provides an excellent strategic location for distribution services with close proximity to the Port of Virginia as well as to major regional manufacturers such as Ford Motor Co.&uot;

Don Jellig, chairman of the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance, praised Evans’ decision.

&uot;I am delighted that Evans Distribution Systems has chosen to locate in Hampton Roads,&uot; he said. &uot;Evans is part of a growing logistics community in our region, and Suffolk is a major player in the logistics arena.

&uot;We are pleased that our efforts to target specific industry sectors are being successful.&uot;

The Hampton Roads Logistics Facility is affiliated with Commonwealth Storage Corp., a leading developer of warehouse and distributions buildings for short- and long-term lease.

Contact the Virginia Employment Commission at 925-2376 for job information.