Forerunner 3D Printing

Based in Coopersville, Forerunner 3D Printing is an advanced manufacturing company with roots tracing back to a dorm room at Ferris State University. In 2009, DeWys Engineering was founded by Paul DeWys to provide mechanical engineering, product development, laser scanning and reverse engineering services to businesses throughout Michigan and beyond.

In 2016, the company expanded into additive manufacturing by purchasing the assets of a local 3D printing company and launching Forerunner 3D Printing.

“What started as an effort to add basic prototyping capabilities has grown into a full-service additive manufacturing operation specializing in industrial 3D printing, prototyping and production manufacturing,” said DeWys, the company’s owner and sales engineer. “Today, we work with customers ranging from startups to Fortune 500 manufacturers, helping Michigan and U.S. manufacturers solve engineering, prototyping and production challenges through a combination of engineering expertise and advanced manufacturing technologies.”

Fit to Print

As a Michigan-based supplier, Forerunner 3D Printing has grown over the past decade and made strong in-state connections thanks in part to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and its Supply Chain Resiliency (SCR) team. The SCR team connects Michigan suppliers with purchasing and investment opportunities in key sectors, including advanced manufacturing, to help facilitate direct connections.

In January 2026, a Detroit-based manufacturer of jewelry and fashion hardware, Gildform, was looking for Michigan manufacturing partners for its growing network of suppliers. The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) recommended Forerunner 3D Printing. As a partner of the MMTC, the MEDC and its SCR team helped to facilitate the connection between the companies.

“Joe Tyler from the MEDC’s SCR team explained that Gildform was looking for Michigan manufacturing partners to produce jewelry, fashion hardware, collectibles and small home décor, and he made a direct introduction to Gildform founder and CEO Karissma Yve,” DeWys said. “After the introduction, Karissma and her team scheduled an introductory call with us to learn more about our capabilities and explain the opportunities available within their network. That direct connection gave both companies an opportunity to identify where our plastic additive manufacturing capabilities could support Gildform and its customers.”

Engineered for Success

Today, Forerunner 3D Printing is an approved member of Gildform's manufacturing network and their capacity and capabilities have improved as a result. Working with Forerunner 3D Printing has also allowed Gildform to onboard a Fortune 500 brand as a client.

DeWys says that becoming part of Gildform’s manufacturing network has introduced Forerunner 3D Printing to new types of customers and product applications outside of the traditional industrial work they commonly support.

“Since connecting with Gildform, we have completed several production projects using our MJF additive manufacturing process, including projects that required secondary operations such as blasting, custom color matching and Cerakote finishing. The relationship has allowed us to use more of our existing capabilities while gaining experience producing finished consumer products where appearance and color are just as important as function. Although the relationship is still relatively new, it has already generated multiple projects and created a pathway for additional work through Gildform’s manufacturing platform.”

Looking to grow your network? Learn how the MEDC and its Supply Chain Resiliency helps to facilitate connections between the state’s small businesses.