Kick off 2026 with a competitive edge at PACK EXPO East. Register now!
Get a jump on your 2026 goals at PACK EXPO East. Put projects in motion, accelerate timelines and solve challenges—all in one trip to Philadelphia.

JLS names director of integrated systems, expands Midwest applications team

JLS Automation named two new members to its team—Gary Pickett as Director of Integrated Systems Group and Justin Fredricks as Regional Applications Engineer.

Gary Pickett
Gary Pickett

Pickett will oversee the company’s systems integration activity, including non-JLS built equipment to expand its complete solutions, including integrating new track transport systems. With a strong background in carton loading solutions, Pickett will also help strengthen the company’s carton loading application solutions. Pickett was previously Vice President of Engineering and also President of Bradman-Lake Group, a custom cartoning equipment maker. He will be based in Charlotte, N.C.

Justin Fredricks comes to JLS with strong experience in technology management and electrical and mechanical engineering. Most recently, he was Senior Applications Engineer at Arrowhead Systems, and has also held positions such as Mechanical Design Engineer and Sales Engineer at several companies, including Pearson Packaging, Bosch Packaging, Sani-Matic and Rapidpak. Fredricks will be based in Appleton, Wis.

JLS has welcomed continuous growth during recent years. To ensure we sustain and grow further, we continue to add high-caliber members to our team,” said Craig A. Souser, JLS President and CEO. “Both Gary and Justin come to us with a wealth of packaging industry knowledge and experience that will help JLS expand its solutions. The entire team is excited to have them on board.”

List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO
Looking for CPG-focused digital transformation solutions? Download our editor-curated list from PACK EXPO featuring top companies offering warehouse management, ERP, digital twin, and MES software with supply chain visibility and analytics capabilities—all tailored specifically for CPG operations.
Download Now
List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO
The AI revolution in packaging robotics is here
Robots that see variations, adjust grip pressure automatically, accept plain-English commands, and predict their own maintenance. Discover how AI is transforming packaging operations.
Read More
The AI revolution in packaging robotics is here