JLS Automation has named John Hofer as regional sales manager, Central Region for the U.S. and Canada. He will report to Michael Newcome, director of sales, Central U.S. and Canada.

Hofer has experience as a technical product manager in the packaging industry and will support sales for the midwestern U.S. and Canada. Previously, Hofer held several roles during his 13 years with Multivac, including field service manager and automation technical project manager, where he created custom automated packaging solutions. Before Multivac, Hofer held several positions across different divisions at Barry-Wehmiller Companies, including Sr. Project Engineer, Retrofit and Rebuild Sales and Customer Service.

Hofer has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Southern Illinois University.

“We welcome John to JLS, and are excited to have added a valuable resource to our Central sales team,” said Craig Souser, JLS president and CEO. “John brings a wealth of experience in the packaging industry and will help JLS grow and expand in the Midwest.”