It has been said it is hard to teach an old dog a new trick, but if the old dog shows no signs of slowing down, that might be the best course of action. As Scelzi Enterprises celebrates their 45th year producing premium truck bodies for Ford chassis cabs and others, the drawing board is full of new tricks to learn and new “dog houses” to construct.

Ask Mike Scelzi, the founder and co-owner. Along with brother Gary they continue to plan for an even more successful NEXT 45 years. Among the new tricks their team is learning are upgrades to computer systems, expanding the use of robotics in their production facilities, and determining how best to use artificial intelligence tools on the production floor and in day-to-day operations. None are easy decisions, and each will require their team to endure some pain during the transition. “You can’t just stand pat, or you fall behind,” Mike says. “The world is changing quickly, and we must be sure we take advantage of any improved ways to do things.”

A Growing Delivery Fleet

Prompt delivery of completed trucks and bodies to dealers is a priority at Scelzi, and their fleet of tractor-trailers has recently grown to 12 to meet this need. The fleet also moves some sub-assemblies and raw materials between Scelzi locations in Fresno, Riverside, Shafter, Tacoma, and LaSalle (Denver). More trucks and drivers are planned for later this year. “I was a truck driver myself early in my career,” states Scelzi, “so I have a special respect for the people who have this challenging job – including those on our team. We try to make their lives as easy as we can, while still following the growing list of regulations in this area. I guess that is one secret to our success – we have walked a mile or two in the shoes of our customers and know what they deal with on a daily basis.”

Expanding Facilities At Scelzi

In addition to new systems, procedures, and fleet vehicles, the need for more physical space is an ongoing challenge for Scelzi. Last year was their 15th consecutive year of double-digit sales growth. The Scelzi team is constantly on the lookout for expansion space opportunities for both sales and production, at their main location in Fresno and elsewhere. 

In June of 2024 the company is finalizing renovations of the property it acquired last year from Elliott Manufacturing. The Elliott facility adjoins Scelzi’s current Fresno properties and adds approximately 5 acres of land and 50,000 square feet of building space to Scelzi’s Fresno footprint. This expansion follows on the heels of other recent expansions in Tacoma (WA) and Shafter (CA). 

Initially the new “Elliott facility” will house Human Resources, Service and Repair, and several other support departments for both Sales and Production teams. “We have been cramped in Fresno for several years,” states owner Mike Scelzi, “and have made offers to purchase land from just about every neighbor we have there. We are glad to finally close this deal and get the building ready to roll. We also continue to pursue our expansion plans outside of Fresno and will make those moves when the time and price is right”.

More computers and robots, fleet additions and square footage. The Scelzi story continues. It all began in 1979 when brothers Mike and Gary Scelzi borrowed $20,000 from their father to start welding truck bodies in their garage. Forty-five years later, Mike is no longer the lead welder and Gary no longer paints every truck body himself – but their pride and passion for Premium workmanship has not waned.