About Us
Our History
Along River Road in the Port Blanchard section of Jenkins Township is the headquarters of Milazzo Industries, Inc… The Milazzo name has been well known in business since 1929, when Carmen Milazzo traveled the streets of Browntown, in Pittston Township, selling fruits and vegetables from a horse-drawn buggy. He was known as a kind and friendly businessman and was well respected by his customers for being both honest and dependable.
As the economic climate evolved over the past nine decades, the Milazzo family adapted with each new challenge they faced; going down countless entrepreneurial avenues. Following in his father’s footsteps, Joe Milazzo — son of Carmen — continued serving the local business community from a horse and buggy. Rather than carry fruits and vegetables, Joe hauled coal — bagged coal.
During the 1940’s and 50’s demand boomed, and Joe found it necessary to open a coal-bagging plant to meet the high demand from his growing customers. In addition to the coal-bagging plant, Joe opened a chain of gas stations throughout Luzerne County. In 1943, the Milazzo family opened the largest hardware store in Pittston. The store was fully stocked with paint and carpentry supplies, with anything and everything for the handyman and housewife. The hardware store was a mainstay of the community and remained open until 1970.
After the death of Joe Milazzo in 1968, Sam Milazzo expanded the manufacturing business and introduced a new product invented in the early 1950’s by his father Joe… Instant Light Charcoal. In 1969, Sam also introduced a new product to the public ~ Qik Joe Ice Melt.
As with many success stories, tragedy would push the limits of the company's success. When the Agnes Flood ravaged Northeastern Pennsylvania and the entire Wyoming Valley in 1972, it took no exception to Milazzo Industries. Through hard work and determination, Milazzo Industries pushed ahead and overcame the flood and many obstacles the flood presented. Later in 1984, Milazzo Industries was struck by a fire that totally decimated the manufacturing facility. Once again, Milazzo Industries persevered and within one year after the fire, we were back in full production as the reliable supplier that our customers knew they could trust.
The story does not end there. Milazzo Industries, Inc. once again dealt a terrible blow — not only to the company, but also the family — with the passing of Samuel J Milazzo. Sam was the true soul of the company, demonstrating his ability to work hard daily and harder in challenging times. Sam was always focused on the future and was a true visionary. He did not allow a bump in the road to discourage him or derail the path of the company and livelihood.
When Sam passed, the company underwent great change, falling under new ownership and management as Elizabeth Milazzo (Sam’s wife) took over the reins with the help of their son Joseph Milazzo and Son-in-Law. John Wesolowski. It was not long after this new chapter of the company that another flood in 2011 would have devastating effects on the business; hampering the ability to evaluate its future and investment in moving forward.
Elizabeth, in keeping with the spirit of her husband, who never allowed these major setbacks to deter him, began looking for ways to keep the company viable, while also keeping the focus on what is best for the business and its valued employees. Thus, Elizabeth made the necessary investments to allow the company to flourish and the company was once again able to move past this flood; rebuilding with the help of a strong run of growth with an ever-increasing customer base.
Milazzo’s ability to overcome adversity would once again come into play in recent years. On June 30, 2019, the company and family lost Joseph Milazzo at the age of 56 after dealing with various illnesses. Once again, this loss delivered a heavy blow to the family who were striving to continue succeeding in the business world. Two years later, on November 1, 2021, Elizabeth passed away leaving the company not only with the loss of its beloved dedicated owner, but with the loss of the matriarch of the Milazzo family. This crippling death meant that the business would, once again, face difficulties that losing the owner had previously shown. The company’s new owner, Nadine Milazzo Wesolowski — the daughter of Sam and Elizabeth — would emerge as the new leaders of the company; along with her husband, John Wesolowski. Together, they would continue the Milazzo legacy and lead the company into a new era of innovation and growth.
Over the 30 years working for Milazzo Industries, Inc. John introduced many successful ice melting agents such as Safe Pet Ultra Ice Melt, Quad Melt w/CMA (Calcium Magnesium Acetate), Quad Melt Ultra w/CMA, Lake Shore Ice Melt, & Qik Heat Calcium Liquid; all which offered additional growth opportunity over the years in expanding into the specialty retailer segment. The growth of our customer base was also a primary focus to allow expansion into new market segments to again help enhance distribution and further growth.
Milazzo Industries continually strives and successfully positions itself as a leading force with quality, integrity, and service as its primary focus and foundation. Innovation, flexibility, understanding, and a firm commitment to its customers and markets they service are the key elements that distinguish Milazzo Industries from competitors. The Milazzo motto is “Focusing on the needs of today, with an eye on tomorrow.” Milazzo Industries continues to deliver quality, dependability, and innovation and is prepared to do so for years to come.
