Express Employment Professionals reported 2011 sales rose 22 percent to $2.1 billion. The staffing provider also reported it placed more than 335,000 people.

“Not only did we put a record number of people to work in 2011, but Express posted the strongest sales record in the company’s history, generating more than $2 billion,” said Chairman and CEO Robert Funk.

Funk also said the jobs picture overall will brighten.

“As consumer spending rises and business confidence improves, the jobs outlook will continue to brighten," he said. “We anticipate that the hiring outlook in all regions of North America will remain steady for administrative and commercial jobs.”

According to a survey of 17,000 current and former Express clients, hiring trends for the first quarter of this year are expected to be greatest in commercial and light industrial, with 30 percent of respondents planning new hires. Twenty-one percent anticipate adding administrative and office clerical staff.

For 2012, Express projects company growth to top 18 percent and plans to award 64 new franchise locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Express ranks No. 10 on Staffing Industry Analysts’ 2011 list of largest U.S. staffing firms.