Jacksonville Planning commission gives tentative approval to manufactures expansion plan

The Jacksonville Planning Commission gave tentative approval Thursday to building plans for iron engine component manufacturer Shelco Foundries.  The commission approved construction plans for a 200-by-300-foot prefabricated building for the company, which will include 1,876 square feet for office space and it will adjoin one of the two existing structures at the company's West Francis Street location.

The board made slight changes including plans for a fire hydrant, the handicapped parking spaces and signage; the boards approval is conditional upon making those changes. Members also said the company will have to finalize an agreement stating that the water lines on the property belong to Shelco.The commission’s decision is one of a series of steps the company must go through to expand its Jacksonville location.

Shelco, which is owned by the Italian-based company Gnutti Carlo, casts parts for car engines and the engines in heavy equipment. Its customers include Ford Motor Co., General Motors and Caterpillar, according to the company’s website.