The Shelby Company History

Over eight decades ago on March 26, 1923, Shelby was founded in Shelby, Ohio. The Articles of Incorporation on that date stated that “Shelby is formed for the purpose of buying, selling, manufacturing and dealing in paper, cardboard, wood, wood fiber and similar substances and the manufacture and sale of boxes, cartons and other similar receptacles; the acquiring purchasing, sale and leasing of the necessary machinery and real estate to carry on said business of manufactory, buying, selling and dealing in said boxes; and to do all things necessary to carry on said business.” (Some lawyer had fun drafting this language and must have been compensated by the word.)

Shelby was started as a set-up box manufacturer and was located on Mack Avenue in a few thousand square feet of The Shelby Electric Lamp Works building, which contained well over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space. In the early 1930’s, Shelby relocated to Cleveland in a building on West 117th Street and Madison Avenue. Shelby moved to Cleveland to be in close proximity to one of its principal customers.

As Shelby grew, the company required additional manufacturing space and in the early 1950’s moved to West 150th Street, across from where now is located the National City Bank’s Operation Center. Shelby rented the building and remained at that location until 1968, when construction of our present Westlake location was completed.

Since its inception and up to the move to Westlake, Shelby remained a set-up box manufacturer. With the move to Westlake, Shelby converted to a folding carton manufacturer. Shelby continued to use letterpress printers until 1978 when a conversion was made to litho printing.

Over the last several years, Shelby has acquired prep, printing, die cutting and gluing equipment to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and to meet our customers’ ever increasing demand for excellent product quality. With the combination of proper equipment and dedicated and experienced staff – from design, prep, manufacturing to sales and customer service – Shelby has built up a list of valued customers. The philosophy which has been inherent with Shelby over the years and which continues today – caring about our customers, employees and suppliers – has served us well and remains a key element in Shelby’s longevity.