More than half a century ago, the Thorbjörnsen family, founders of the company, predicted that there would be a great demand in the national market for electrical material . 

In the 1960s JSL began producing electrical material on a small scale, especially plugs and sockets for household use and lighting equipment. 

At the end of the decade the first factory was built, and in the following decade new product ranges were created especially for low voltage electrical installation. 

Initially JSL’s market was the National market and the ex-colonies, but in the 80’s it became evident with the entrance of Portugal in the European Union, that there would be a new market to conquer. In a period marked by great difficulties for those who exported, with imports rising, foreign debt increasing and Portugal resorting to the IMF to get out of an economic recession, it was in this financially troubled decade that JSL invested in a new factory, new product lines, and a new strategy, all to reach foreign markets.

As we enter the 21st century JSL is already present in over 50 countries and its main ranges are:

• Photovoltaic shields
• Switchgear; 
• Cabinets for telecommunications; 
• Column enclosures; 
• Watertight enclosures, cable glands and connectors; 
• Boxes for indoor installation; 
• Gutters and accessories; 
• Rails for pipes; 
• Plugs and industrial sockets; 
• Fixing material; 
• Energy distribution boards and ICT boxes; 
• Pipes and accessories.

JSL considers that its products are well positioned in the professional and domestic market for electrical and telecommunications installations.

In addition to the ISO 9001:2015 standard certification of its Quality Management System (since 1993, having been one of the first companies in Portugal to achieve this) and the CE marking (mandatory for the products covered by the Directives according to which it is applicable), JSL goes further in its quality process, since it has most of its product ranges certified through national and international bodies, namely:

• CERTIF – Associação para a Certificação de Produtos (Nacional) – Marca CERTIF;
• LCIE – Laboratório Central das Indústrias Eléctricas (França) – Marca NF;
• VDE – Instituto de Certificação Alemão de produtos eléctricos – Marca VDE;
• DEKRA – Instituto de Certificação Holandês – Marca KEMA-KEUR;

Intertek-SEMKO – International organization for granting the Swedish Quality Mark SEMKO

JSL understands that environmental responsibility is a set of activities aimed at a more sustainable development of the planet and the preservation of its environment. Therefore we assume environmental responsibility and as such special measures are adopted. Reuse, recycle, rationalize and reduce all consumption in all aspects of environmental impact.

JSL is concerned with the manufacturing processes and the best environmental management according to the requirements of the environmental standards in force, these aspects are constantly focused on, discussed, valued, taken into the highest consideration and put into practice.

Nature inspires us with its beauty and magnificence. We want to preserve it for the future, because we are aware that it is a “loan temporarily granted and that we will bequeath to our children”.