Our History

The Story of Dhaliwal Laboratories, A Family Owned Business

Today, we at Dhaliwal Labs are looking ahead to the future with much joy and excitement. The journey, however, began more than 70 years ago, in a small farming village in what was then India, and today is within the young carved out nation of Pakistan.

Tehsel Singh Dhaliwal was born into a farming family with many brothers and sisters. They grew up working hard, harvesting sugar cane and wheat, with family at the core of their values. They faced numerous hardships as they migrated from Pakistan to India during the 1947 partition, and then again when Tehsel’s father suddenly passed away in 1954.

At the young age of 13, Tehsel and his older brother were now responsible for protecting the family. Given the way of life during those years, the two young boys had to become men overnight and fight to defend the family’s land. Within these struggles though, was a sense of joy and zest for life and laughter. This combined with family, allowed for a foundation of determination and success.

As is common with Dhaliwals, they made it. The value of hard work and family never left Tehsel as he made the decision to head west to the United States of America in 1963. He spent the next decade working and putting himself through college. He had various jobs ranging from busboy to engineer. He creatively perfected his English watching Westerns (which he loves to do to this day). He succeeded in school and work by taking risks, and believing he could make it.

In 1970, he married Balbir Kaur Sidhu, who went on to earn a Ph.D. in biochemistry. She shared her brilliance and learning with Tehsel and helped him round out his skills in the manufacturing business. Over the next 30 years they had a family as Tehsel worked his way through every aspect of the manufacturing business. Though they separated and Balbir passed away in 2017, her contribution lives on in the growth of the business. And Tehsel has never lost his sense of play and dedication, which is evidenced by venturing to start his own business when most of his friends were looking to retirement.

As CEO, Tehsel successfully launched Dhaliwal Laboratories in Dallas, TX in January 2008. In December 2014 Tehsel opened his second facility in Bedford Park, IL and a third location in Mesquite, TX in January, 2019.

Every employee is now a part of this history, and we look forward to seeing how it is carried forward.