JLS History

Founded in 1955 as JL Souser, JLS was originally a manufacturers’ representative firm that handled power transmission equipment. In 1978, after the sudden passing of founder Joseph L. Souser, with his wife Polly and son Craig Souser at the helm, the company eventually expanded the product range to include variable frequency drives and started providing application engineering assistance.

In 1991, JLS provided systems engineering and shortly after turnkey engineered systems for a few of its key customers, which led to a field service offering to support its engineered systems. A couple of years later in 1993, JLS entered the packaging automation segment when food processors contacted the company to retrofit and upgrade their existing automation machines and systems.

Today, JLS has evolved from its humble beginnings and specializes in hygienic robotic packaging systems designed for the food industry, featuring patented robotic tooling and high-speed leak detection.

Celebrating 70 Years of Innovation and Support

In 2025, JLS is proud to commemorate its 70th anniversary, highlighting decades of dedication to industrial innovation, its employees and the community. Since its founding in 1955, the company has prioritized creating a supportive work environment while fostering community engagement with local initiatives, as well as national organizations that help veterans, advance education programs and promote the importance of technology and manufacturing.

To celebrate this milestone, the company asked some of its team members what it means to them. Watch the videos below to get a bird's-eye view of the impact JLS makes on its employees' lives and beyond.