In 2008, JLS celebrated its 70th Anniversary. Founded in 1938 by James Lobate Smith in Kings Norton, Birmingham. The company patented their design for an Air Circulating Oven, the first oven being sold to AP Springs of Birmingham. With business booming during and after WW2, the company moved to larger premises in Redditch in 1955.

The JLS name is synonymous with rugged build quality and excellent temperature distribution. Having sold its first oven for aerospace use to the Gloster Aircraft Company, JLS has had a long association with the aerospace industry. Now under new ownership, JLS can offer an even wider range of air-circulating ovens for all applications.