Shelton Winnelson has roots that date all the way back to 1891. The D.H. Kelly Company of Derby, Connecticut was a successful mechanical contracting firm. Mr. Kelly was a founding father of the town of Derby, CT and a successful businessman. A group of investors purchased the D.H. Kelly Company in the 1950s and it operated as a wholesale supply house during that time. The D.H. Kelly Company was then acquired in 1971 by N.O. Nelson Company (now Winholesale). The company had operated as Derby N.O. Nelson Company until 1980 when the name was changed to Derby Winnelson Co. The company operated out of a 5600 square foot facility at 38 Commerce St. in Derby. Henry Panza was named president in 1975 and successfully ran the company until January 1, 1994. Derby Winnelson Company moved to its current location, 740 River Rd. in Shelton, CT in November of 1979. It was the growth of the company’s sales which required the larger space that prompted the move. The River Road facility of 20,000 square feet was a boom to company growth. In 1980 Shelton Winair Company was opened in 5000sq. ft. of the existing building. This was the first company sponsored by Derby Winnelson Co. A few years later Shelton Winair was able to move to its current location in front of Derby Winnelson.
Shelton Winnelson commenced business on January 1, 1994. Prisco Panza, formerly an outside sales rep for Derby Winnelson, was named president. Ten years of steady growth has been accomplished because of a staff of hard-working people. The physical plant now encompasses 3 buildings, including and off site showroom at 600 Bridgeport Avenue. The total square footage now approaches 43,000. We have added many major lines and have become a full line wholesaler. Our committed staff of 33 is here to serve each and every customer. On time performance and first rate service are the hallmarks our company is built upon.
