<PAGE>   1
                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE         
     SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                  For the quarterly period ended March 31, 1998

[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE 
     SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

          For the transition period from_____________to_______________


                        Commission File Number: 000-21407


                                   LASON, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         DELAWARE                                38-3214743
(State or other jurisdiction of                (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)             identification number)


                             1305 Stephenson Highway
                              Troy, Michigan 48083
           (Address of principal executive offices including zip code)

                            Telephone: (248) 597-5800
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]







As of May 13, 1998, 12,039,039 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value were
outstanding.


<PAGE>   2



TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                         Page No.

         ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
              March 31, 1998 (Unaudited) and December 31, 1997             2

         Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited),
              Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997                   3

         Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited),
              Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997                   4

         Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 
              (Unaudited)                                                  5

         ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                  CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS                      8

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


         ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K                        11

         SIGNATURES                                                       12









                                        1


<PAGE>   3
                                  Lason, Inc.
                     Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                       (In thousands, except for shares)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 MARCH 31,      DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                   1998             1997
                                                                                -----------     ------------
                                                                                (unaudited)
<S>                                                                             <C>             <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents                                                       $     1,822     $      2,925
Accounts receivable  (net)                                                           55,110           43,815
Supplies                                                                              5,514            3,964
Prepaid expenses and other                                                            8,165            8,946
                                                                                -----------     ------------
     Total current assets                                                            70,611           59,650

Property and equipment (net)                                                         32,072           22,575
Deferred income taxes                                                                   553            1,034
Intangible assets (net)                                                             137,301           94,640

                                                                                -----------     ------------
     TOTAL ASSETS                                                               $   240,537     $    177,899
                                                                                ===========     ============


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accrued expenses                                                                $     8,832     $      6,984
Accounts payable                                                                      6,861            6,590
Notes payable                                                                           244            6,462
Customer deposits                                                                     3,920            2,810
Deferred income taxes                                                                 1,656            1,753
Other                                                                                 6,158            3,714
                                                                                -----------     ------------
     Total current liabilities                                                       27,671           28,313
Revolving credit line borrowings                                                     68,300           13,550
Other liabilities                                                                     8,283            3,431
                                                                                -----------     ------------
     TOTAL LIABILITIES                                                              104,254           45,294
                                                                                -----------     ------------

Common stock with a put option                                                        1,060            1,060

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock, $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized,
     12,031,224 shares issued, 11,627,705 shares outstanding and 11,637,640
        shares issued, 11,550,949 outstanding                                           116              115
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized,
     none issued and outstanding                                                          -                -
Additional paid-in capital                                                          117,563          117,352
Retained earnings                                                                    17,544           14,078
                                                                                -----------     ------------
     TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                     135,223          131,545
                                                                                -----------     ------------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                      $   240,537     $    177,899
                                                                                ===========     ============
</TABLE>





   The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
                             financial statements.

                                       2

<PAGE>   4

                                  Lason, Inc.
                  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
                  (In thousands, except for per share amounts)
                                  (Unaudited)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                                ---------------------------------
                                                                      1998               1997
                                                                --------------     --------------
<S>                                                             <C>               <C>
Revenues, net of postage                                        $       46,566     $       26,236
Cost of revenues                                                        29,811             18,147
                                                                --------------     --------------
     Gross profit                                                       16,755              8,089

Selling, general and administrative expenses                             9,778              4,349
Compensatory stock option expense                                           69                 54
Amortization of intangibles                                                966                480
                                                                --------------     --------------
     Income from operations                                              5,942              3,206
Net interest expense                                                       646                266
                                                                --------------     --------------
     Income before income taxes                                          5,296              2,940
Provision for income taxes                                               1,830              1,047
                                                                --------------     --------------

     Net Income                                                 $        3,466     $        1,893
                                                                ==============     ==============

Basic earnings per share                                        $         0.30    $          0.22
                                                                ==============     ==============

Diluted earnings per share                                      $         0.29    $          0.21
                                                                ==============     ==============
</TABLE>





   The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
                             financial statements.


                                       3


<PAGE>   5

                                  Lason, Inc.
                Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                 (In thousands)
                                  (Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                                          -----------------------------
                                                                            1998                 1997
                                                                          ---------            --------
<S>                                                                       <C>                  <C>
                                                                          ---------            --------
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                               $   2,084            $  3,079
                                                                          ---------            --------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Payments for acquisition of  businesses,
     net of cash acquired                                                   (47,610)            (16,683)
Additions to property and equipment                                          (4,250)             (2,253)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets                                               -                 122

                                                                          ---------            --------
     Net cash used in  investing activities                                 (51,860)            (18,814)
                                                                          ---------            --------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on revolving line of credit                                      131,250              41,843
Repayments on revolving line of credit                                      (76,500)            (23,444)
Repayments of notes payable                                                  (6,218)                  -
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options                                141                  46

                                                                          ---------            --------
     Net cash provided by financing activities                               48,673              18,445
                                                                          ---------            --------

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents                         (1,103)              2,710
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of  period                             2,925                  79
                                                                          ---------            --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                                $   1,822            $  2,789
                                                                          =========            ========
</TABLE>





   The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
                             financial statements.

                                       4


<PAGE>   6


        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

         The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
of Lason, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the "Company") have been
prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of
Regulation S-X. Accordingly, such interim financial statements do not include
all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting
principles for complete consolidated financial statements.

         In the opinion of management, all necessary adjustments (consisting of
normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have
been included. The operating results for the three month period ended March 31,
1998 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year
ending December 31, 1998.

         For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements
and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1997 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 31, 1998.

         Certain reclassifications have been made to the consolidated financial
statements for 1997 to conform to the 1998 presentation.


NOTE 2.  ACQUISITIONS

         In February, 1998, the Company acquired Racom Corporation and its
affiliates by acquiring 100% of the outstanding common stock of its parent,
Southern Microfilm Associates, Inc. ("Racom"), for $20.9 million in cash and
188,372 shares of the Company's common stock valued at approximately $5.2
million. The shares of common stock are being held in escrow as collateral to
indemnify the Company if contingencies set forth in the purchase agreement
occur within 12 months from the date of acquisition.

         In March, 1998, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of
API Systems, Inc. for $21.5 million in cash and 117,702 shares of the Company's
common stock valued at approximately $3.8 million. Substantially all of the
shares of common stock are being held in escrow as collateral to indemnify the
Company if contingencies set forth in the purchase agreement occur within
12 months from the date of acquisition.

         The aggregate purchase price for all acquisitions completed during the
first quarter of 1998, excluding liabilities assumed, was approximately $55.4
million. The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities
assumed based on the related fair values at the date of acquisition. The excess
of the aggregate purchase price over the fair values of assets acquired and
liabilities assumed has been allocated to goodwill and is being amortized on a
straight-line method over 30 years.

         Each of the acquisitions was accounted for as a purchase. The results
of operations for the three months ended March 31, 1998 include the results of
operations for each of the acquired companies since the date of their respective
acquisition.



                                        5
<PAGE>   7

         In conjunction with these acquisitions, liabilities assumed and other
non-cash consideration was as follows:

           Fair value of assets acquired                             $ 17,704
           Goodwill                                                    40,416
           Net cash paid in consideration for companies acquired      (46,152)
                                                                     --------
           Liabilities assumed                                       $ 11,968
                                                                     ========

         The following table summarizes pro forma unaudited results of
operations as if each of the acquisitions completed during the first quarter of
1998 had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented:

                                            Three Months Ended March 31,
                                            ---------------------------- 
                                               1998               1997
                                               ----               ----

         Revenues                             $56,989           $43,197
         Income before income taxes             6,045             4,211
         Net income                             3,794             2,548

         Basic earnings per share             $  0.33           $  0.29
         Diluted earnings per share           $  0.31           $  0.27


NOTE 3.  LONG-TERM DEBT

         The Company has a credit agreement with a bank group providing for
revolving credit loans up to $80 million. Borrowings will be used to finance
additional acquisitions of businesses, working capital, capital expenditures and
for other corporate purposes. Borrowings under the credit agreement are
collateralized by substantially all of the Company's assets. The Company is not
required to make principal payments prior to 2001, the term of the loan.
Interest on amounts outstanding is calculated based on interest rates determined
at the time of borrowing. Borrowings bear interest at rates ranging from LIBOR
plus a maximum of 2.25% to a base percentage rate plus a maximum of 1.25%,
depending on the Company's leverage ratio. The credit agreement contains
restrictions on the acquisition of stock or assets, disposal of assets,
incurrence of other liabilities, minimum requirements for cash flow and certain
financial ratios.






                                        6

<PAGE>   8

NOTE 4.  EARNINGS PER SHARE

         Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128 "Earnings
Per Share", is effective for financial statements issued after December 15,
1997. This Statement establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings
per share ("EPS") and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 15 and
its related interpretations. EPS amounts for the three months ended March 31,
1997 have been restated using the provisions of SFAS No. 128.

         The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerator (income
applicable to common shareholders) and denominator (weighted average common
shares outstanding) for the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations
for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 (in thousands, except per
share amounts):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                          Three Months Ended                    Three Months Ended
                                            March 31, 1998                        March 31, 1997
                                    ------------------------------       --------------------------------
                                               Weighted                               Weighted
                                    Net        Average      Per          Net          Average      Per
                                    Income     Shares       Share        Income       Shares       Share
                                    ------     --------     -----        ------       ------       -----
<S>                                <C>        <C>            <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>  
BASIC EPS                          $ 3,466     11,608         $0.30       $1,893        8,694       $0.22

EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES
Contingently issuable
   shares of  common stock              --        221            --           --           --          --
Potential shares of common
   stock from stock options
   outstanding                          --        296            --           --          368          --
                                   -------     -------                    ------        -----                
DILUTED EPS                        $ 3,466     12,125         $0.29       $1,893        9,062       $0.21
                                   =======     ======                     ======        =====             
</TABLE>


         The weighted average common shares and common share equivalents
outstanding used to compute the dilutive effect of common stock options
outstanding was computed using the treasury stock method prescribed by SFAS No.
128.









                                        7
<PAGE>   9

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF  FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company and the
related notes and the other related financial information included elsewhere in
this Form 10-Q. The discussion in this section contains forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results
could differ materially from those discussed herein. Factors that could cause or
contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed
elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and identified from time to time in the Company's
reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

OVERVIEW

         One of the Company's principal strategies is to increase its revenues
and the markets it serves through the acquisition of complementary businesses.
Toward that end, during the first quarter of 1998, the Company acquired Racom
Corporation and its affiliates by acquiring 100% of the outstanding common      
stock of its parent, Southern Microfilm Associates, Inc. and substantially all
of the assets of API Systems, Inc. The aggregate consideration for all
acquisitions consisted of $46.0 million in cash and 320,349 shares of the
Company's common stock valued at approximately $9.4 million.

         Although management anticipates that the Company will continue to
acquire complementary businesses in the future, there can be no assurance that
the Company will be able to identify and acquire attractive acquisition
candidates, profitably manage such acquired companies or successfully integrate
such acquired companies into the Company without substantial costs, delays or
other problems. In addition, there can be no assurance that any companies
acquired in the future will be profitable at the time of acquisition or will
achieve sales and profitability justifying the Company's investment therein or
that the Company will recognize the synergies expected from such acquisitions.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 COMPARED WITH THREE 
MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997.

         Consolidated net revenues increased 77% to $46.6 million for the three
months ended March 31, 1998 from $26.2 million in the first quarter of 1997.
Approximately $17.9 million of the increase was due to acquisitions and
approximately $2.5 million was due to growth in the Company's existing business.
The internal growth was primarily the result of a $2.7 million increase in image
and data capture revenue and a $550,000 increase in print on demand revenue,
partially offset by the effects of certain discontinued services.

         Gross profit increased to $16.8 million for the first quarter of 1998
from $8.1 million for the comparable 1997 quarter primarily due to an increase
in net revenues and the Company's product mix. Gross profit as a percentage of
net revenues was 36% for the three months ended March 31, 1998 versus 31% for
the comparable period of 1997.

         Selling, general and administrative expenses were $9.8 million for the
three months ended March 31, 1998 compared to $4.3 million for the comparable
1997 quarter. The increase was primarily due to selling, general and
administrative expenses incurred by acquired companies.

         Amortization of intangibles increased to $966,000 for the three months
ended March 31, 1998 from $480,000 for the first quarter of 1997 primarily due
to the increase in goodwill related to business acquisitions completed during 
the first quarter of 1998.


                                        8

<PAGE>   10

         Net interest expense was $646,000 for the 1998 first quarter compared
to $266,000 in 1997. The increase is primarily due to higher average borrowing
balances resulting from borrowings used to fund business acquisitions.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         The Company has funded its operations and acquisitions through a
combination of cash flow from operations, bank borrowings and the issuance of
shares of common stock.

         Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $2.1 million for
the three months ended March 31, 1998 compared to $3.1 million for the
comparable period of 1997. The decrease in operating cash flows in 1998 is
primarily due to increased net income and accrued expenses, offset by the
effects of increased accounts receivable balances, due to the increase in net
revenue, and increased prepaid expenses and other assets.  

         Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $51.9 million and $18.8
million for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and
was primarily used to fund the acquisition of businesses and invest in capital
equipment. Cash used for acquisitions was approximately $47.6 million and $ 16.7
million for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Cash
used to invest in capital equipment totaled $4.3 million for the 1998 first
quarter, compared to $2.3 million for the comparable period of 1997. The 1997
investment in capital equipment includes approximately $1.5 million of
previously leased equipment that was purchased during the first quarter of 1997.

         Cash flows provided by financing activities totaled $48.7 million in
1998 compared to $18.4 million for the comparable period of 1997 and largely
consisted of borrowings on the Company's revolving line of credit. During the
first quarter of 1998, the Company repaid $6.2 million of short-term promissory
notes relating to certain business acquisitions the Company completed in the
fourth quarter of 1997.

         Credit Agreement Borrowings

         The Company has a credit agreement with a bank group providing for
revolving credit loans up to $80 million. Borrowings will be used to finance
additional acquisitions of businesses, working capital, capital expenditures and
for other corporate purposes. Borrowings under the credit agreement are
collateralized by substantially all of the Company's assets. The Company is not
required to make principal payments prior to 2001, the term of the loan.
Interest on amounts outstanding is calculated based on interest rates determined
at the time of borrowing. Borrowings bear interest at rates ranging from LIBOR
plus a maximum of 2.25% (6.65% as of May 13, 1998) to a base percentage rate
plus a maximum of 1.25% (8.50% as of May 13, 1998), depending on the Company's
leverage ratio. The credit agreement contains restrictions on the acquisition of
stock or assets, disposal of assets, incurrence of other liabilities, minimum
requirements for cash flow and certain financial ratios. As of May 13, 1998,
$75.0 million was borrowed under the credit agreement.

         Future Capital Needs

         The Company's liquidity and capital resources have been significantly
affected by acquisitions of businesses and, given the Company's acquisition
strategy, may be significantly affected for the foreseeable future. To date, the
Company has financed its acquisitions with borrowings under the credit
agreement, with shares of its common stock and with cash from operations.



                                        9

<PAGE>   11

         The Company's ability to obtain cash adequate to fund its needs depends
generally on the results of its operations and the availability of financing.
Management believes that cash flow from operations, in conjunction with
borrowings from its existing and any future credit agreements and possible
issuance of shares of its common stock, will be sufficient to meet debt service
requirements, make possible future acquisitions and fund capital expenditures in
the future. However, there can be no assurance in this regard or that the terms
available for any future financing, if required, would be favorable to the
Company.

YEAR 2000

         The Company is currently addressing the need to achieve year 2000
conversion with no effect on customers or disruption to business operations. The
Company is communicating with suppliers, customers, and others with which it
does business to coordinate year 2000 conversion issues. The cost of compliance,
which is not yet completely determined, is not expected to be material in
relation to the Company's future results of operations due to the nature of the
Company's operating systems.

INFLATION

         Certain of the Company's expenses, such as wages and benefits,
occupancy costs, and equipment repair and replacement, are subject to normal
inflation. Supplies, such as paper and related products, can be subject to
significant price fluctuations. Although the Company to date has been able to
substantially offset any such cost increases through increased operating
efficiencies, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to offset
any future cost increases through similar efficiencies or increased charges for
its products and services.

LITIGATION

         The Company is, from time to time, a party to legal proceedings arising
in the normal course of its business. Management believes that none of the legal
proceedings currently outstanding will have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.










                                       10

<PAGE>   12

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

a.       Exhibits

           Exhibit No.        Description
           -----------        -----------
             10.50            Employment Agreement between Image Conversion 
                              Systems and John R. Messinger dated July 29, 1997.

             10.51            Stock Option Agreement between Lason, Inc. and 
                              John R. Messinger dated July 29, 1997.

             10.52            Stock Option Agreement between Lason, Inc. and 
                              Cary W. Newman dated December 14, 1995.

             10.53            Stock Option Agreement between Lason, Inc. and 
                              Cary W. Newman dated December 17, 1996.

              27              Financial Data Schedule

b.       Reports on Form 8-K

         On March 17, 1998, the registrant filed Form 8-K reporting that it had
         acquired Racom Corporation and its affiliates by acquiring all of the 
         common stock of its parent, Southern Microfilm Associates, Inc.

         On March 20, 1998, the registrant filed Form 8-K reporting that it had
         acquired substantially all of the assets of API Systems, Inc.





                                       11

<PAGE>   13


                                  SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.




                                                        LASON, INC.
                                                        -----------
                                                       (Registrant)




May 14, 1998                                      /s/ William J. Rauwerdink
 (Date)                                           ------------------------------
                                                  Executive Vice President and
                                                  Chief Financial Officer







                                       12


<PAGE>   14


                                Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.    Description
-----------    -----------
  10.50        Employment Agreement between Image Conversion Systems and John
               R. Messinger dated July 29, 1997.

  10.51        Stock Option Agreement between Lason, Inc. and John R. Messinger
               dated July 29, 1997.

  10.52        Stock Option Agreement between Lason, Inc. and Cary W. Newman
               dated December 14, 1995.
 
  10.53        Stock Option Agreement between Lason, Inc. and Cary W. Newman
               dated December 17, 1996.

  27           Financial Data Schedule