Built on Cross-Functional Teams of Designers, Engineers, Researchers, Brand Experts
We are Forge.
Forge is an alliance between Group 4 and Gyre9, united to deliver the full spectrum of product development capabilities: from research to ideation, design to engineering, and prototyping to production.
Group 4 is a nationally recognized, research-driven design firm with market insight crucial to the ideation of thoughtful product concepts and forms. Gyre9 is a design & engineering firm, specializing in 3D CAD design, in-house prototyping, and light assembly and manufacturing.
Our firms have worked together for years, collaborating to provide product development services that bring innovation to clients across a variety of markets. With barriers to entry lessening as manufacturing technologies flourish, the ability to identify and expediently capitalize on opportunities is more important than ever.
United in our common design goals, and enhanced by our breadth of expertise, Forge quickly delivers thoughtful, functional, and ultimately successful solutions to our clients.
Where you can find us.
The creative environments where our teams coalesce around tough challenges every day. We work in unique and inspiring “barns”, in quintessential New England towns. What’s not to love? Guests always welcome.
Our team: Problem Solvers
Our Researchers, Designers, Engineers, and beyond work together cohesively to make your product a success. We design with intent; user insight feeds our design and engineering choices.
Meet the founders.
Pioneers in design, innovation and product development
Edward Gilchrest
Co-founder / Chief Engineering Officer
Ed brings over 30 years of product development and manufacturing experience to Forge. He invested the last 10 years in growing Gyre9, a product development consultancy dedicated to manufacturable design. Using a unique blend of industrial design and engineering disciplines, Gyre9 has provided innovative solutions for clients across a wide range of categories. His experience includes 10 years at UTC, managing an engineering and manufacturing medical equipment firm that was sold to Invacare, as well as starting and owning a manufacturing company that was purchased by Joerns Healthcare. Ed has a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Frank J. von Holzhausen
Co-founder / Chief Design Officer
Frank has excelled during the last 44 years as Founder and President of Group Four, Inc., providing leadership in all phases of new product development. From developing market opportunities, to identifying manufacturing solutions, to assuring successful final production and placement, Frank is a recognized design industry leader. He served as President of the Association of Professional Design Firms, participated as a member of IDSA and the American Institute of Graphics Arts, and was a judge for the 2008 IDEA/Business Week International Design Competition. Frank has a Bachelor of Industrial Design degree from Syracuse University.
