Scelzi Enterprises opening in Shafter

Fresno-based Scelzi Enterprises is coming to the Wonderful Industrial Park later this summer.

Scelzi recently purchased the 36,366-square-foot building previously occupied by Weatherford, Inc.

The business manufactures truck bodies built of mainly steel, with some aluminum and wood. The family-owned business has a large local customer base, which makes the move to Shafter a logical one, said Bill Vander Plaats, marketing manager for Scelzi.

"We do a lot of business with the Bakersfield truck dealerships, which should make this a great deal for everyone," said Vander Plaats.

The business plans to be open by mid to late summer and expects to hire around 150 positions. The company does painting, assembly, welding and other manufacturing work and the building is in need of modifications.

Vander Plaats said that they should begin to accept applications by mid-summer, with positions including welders, assemblers, pre-painters and painters.

The announcement is the latest in a series of companies over the past two years who have decided to build in Shafter. The Wonderful Industrial Park houses a number of nationally known companies including Ross Stores, Target and Fed Ex.

Bob Meadows, business development director for the city, said that this is a great deal for Shafter, made even better with the company being a highly successful and respected one. "Shafter continues to attract highly desirable companies that are making us a part of their families," Meadows said.

Scelzi Enterprises was founded in 1979 by owner Gary Scelzi. Scelzi has around 450 employees including team members in Fresno, Riverside, and La Salle, Colorado. With its growth over the past 12 years, it is now as one of the largest truck body manufacturers west of the Mississippi River.