If you’re a manufacturer in need of top-quality industrial control panels, you’ve likely heard of McIver Engineering & Controls. Renowned for designing and manufacturing some of the most complex and sophisticated industrial control panels, we are known for our exceptional skill and experience. No control panel is too complex for our team, which takes on projects that others refuse due to their difficulty.
But did you know that we also lead the charge in creating industrial automation solutions for a wide range of sectors? Enter DLS Custom Automation, the in-house division of McIver Engineering, providing cutting-edge automation systems for industries across the board.
The Legacy Behind DLS Custom Automation
The name DLS has a long and storied history. Founded in 1978 by Dwight Lansing Sallis, DLS Engineering Corporation began as a one-man operation, focusing on building custom manufacturing machines for OEMs and production facilities in southeastern Wisconsin. As the business grew, Dwight built a reputation for his unparalleled craftsmanship and dedication to quality.
As Dwight neared retirement, he sold DLS Engineering Corporation to McIver Engineering & Controls. With this acquisition, the business’ automation and custom machine-building arms were rebranded as DLS Machine Builders. This shift marked the beginning of DLS’s integration into McIver’s broader scope of operations.
In 2023, McIver Engineering & Controls underwent a significant rebranding. As part of this update, the custom automation and machine building division was renamed DLS Custom Automation, aligning the name with the division’s focus on industrial automation solutions. This rebrand also included fresh logos, an updated website, and new social media profiles—all designed to make our company’s value even clearer to our customers.
Why Keep Dwight’s Initials in Our Name?
The initials DLS are more than just a legacy; they’re a symbol of quality, craftsmanship, and efficiency. When McIver Engineering & Controls purchased DLS Machine Builders, they not only acquired equipment, intellectual property, and talent but also a culture of excellence. One standout talent who joined our team during this transition was Jeff Olson, a longtime protégé of Dwight Lansing Sallis. Jeff credits Dwight with teaching him everything he knows and mentoring him for over 10 years. Today, Jeff serves as the Lead Automation Specialist at DLS Custom Automation, A Division of McIver Engineering & Controls, where he continues to pass down the knowledge and skills Dwight instilled in him.
Through Jeff’s mentorship, the core principles instilled by Dwight—quality, skill, and efficiency—remain deeply embedded in McIver’s daily operations. Keeping his initials in the name of our custom automation division is a tribute to Dwight’s enduring influence and his contribution to the company’s success. While it may have been easier to simply rebrand as McIver Engineering & Controls, those three initials carry with them a reputation for getting things done right. For previous employees and customers alike, our name still represents craftsmanship and precision.
The Importance of Custom Automation Solutions
In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, DLS Custom Automation plays a pivotal role in providing businesses with the custom automation solutions they need to remain competitive. From designing sophisticated industrial electrical control panels to developing custom automation solutions tailored to your specific needs, DLS Custom Automation is here to help businesses across all sectors streamline their operations and improve efficiency.
At McIver Engineering & Controls, we continue to build upon Dwight Lansing Sallis’ legacy by continuing to serve as a top-tier industrial automation expert, custom machine builder, and industrial control panel design and manufacturing provider. Our team of industrial automation experts—combining mechanical engineers, automation specialists, and electrical engineers—work together to bring your projects to life, just as they have been doing since the early days of our company.
Why You Should Choose Us
When you choose to work with us, you’re not just getting an automation system or industrial electrical control panel; you’re gaining access to decades of experience and a tradition of excellence. Whether you need highly specialized automation solutions, whatever name you know- DLS Engineering Corporation, DLS Machine Builders, or DLS Custom Automation, you can trust that our team will deliver precise, reliable, and efficient solutions that meet your specific requirements.
By combining McIver Engineering & Controls’ expertise with the DLS legacy, we continue to provide the best in industrial automation, machine building, and control systems. His initials in our name represent a tradition of skill and craftsmanship and a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction that spans generations.
Contact McIver Engineering & Controls today by requesting a quote or calling 262-783-9912 to learn more about how our team, which includes DLS Custom Automation, can support your business with tailored industrial automation solutions and industrial electrical control panels. We can’t wait to take your idea from an imagined concept to a completed installation.