Our Story
1920s
1926
Humble Beginnings
DGL began in 1926 as a one man operation. Alexander Forster was joined in the following year by former coworkers from the American Bridge Company. This led to an early focus in structural engineering.
Humble Beginnings - Forster Wernert & Taylor
1926
The Maumee Perrysburg Bridge
The Maumee Perrysburg Bridge was one of our firm's first projects. The gentleman standing to the left was one of our first partners.
1927
Our First DOT Project
DGL completed their first project for a Department of Transportation when they were contracted to design a bridge for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
Our First DOT Project
1927
Libbey Stadium
DGL completed design of the Libbey High School stadium in 1927, the first of many stadiums the company would design.
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1928
Willies Overland Forge Shop
DGL's first project completed for the Willys-Overland Company, a predecessor to the Jeep brand, involved improvements to their forge shop.
Willies Overland Forge Shop
1928
Facility Design Work Begins
Consolidated Paper Co. was one of our firm's first industrial clients. DGL supported the company as they scaled and in later decades would modernize much of its facility.
1930s
1931
Anthony Wayne Bridge
As a subconsultant, DGL completed work on the Anthony Wayne Bridge, supporting the project's successful completion.
1932
Koerbor Brewing
Following the repeal of prohibition, DGL assisted with the expansion of the Koerbor Brewing Company in downtown Toledo, Ohio. This marked our firm's first brewery project. Today the facility is home to the Maumee Bay Brewing Company.
1933
Straights of Mackinac Bridge Preliminary Planning
Preliminary work was completed for the Straights of Mackinac Bridge, which was later constructed in 1957 (with a modified design).
Straights of Mackinac Bridge
1936
Glass Plant Specialization
With an early niche completing projects for various glass companies, DGL was hired to complete Libbey-Owens-Ford's new Toledo, Ohio plant.
1936
Expanding Services
DGL added mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and surveying services in the 1930s. While we no longer offer mechanical or electrical engineering in-house, we are well known for our survey work to this day.
Expanding Services
1937
Coca-Cola Bottling Company Facility
Our glass industry specialization led to the completion of our first project for The Coca-Cola Bottling Company, which included their Distribution and Bottling Plant located in Toledo, Ohio.
1940s
1941
Supporting WWII Efforts
Subcontracted by DiVilbliss, DGL supported the retooling of facilities for wartime efforts. Notably including Allis Chalmers, Westinghouse Electric, Radio Corp. of America, A.C. Spark Plug, Toledo Scale, White Truck, Remington Rand, and many others.
WWII Efforts
1942
Surface Combustion Relationship
DGL formed a lasting relationship with Surface Combustion during the decade as we teamed on various projects including DGL's involvement with design of their Toledo Facility.
1945
First Traffic/Safety Project
DGL completed an accident survey at the intersection of Front & Main, in Toledo, Ohio. This marked our firm's first Traffic & Safety Engineering project.
1945
Jeep Plant Before and After War
When Willys-Overland Co. transitioned from military vehicles to producing civilian automobiles, DGL continued supporting the expansion of their production capabilities. The Jeep and Willys Sedan are pictured side by side at their Toledo Factory.
1945
GI Bill Produces Future Engineers
Many future engineers attended school under the new GI (Government Issue) Bill, including Benjamin Dansard, who served in the US Navy. In later years, Gary Long followed the same path, having served in the US Army. They are remembered today by the "D" and "L" in DGL.
1947
Designing International Glass Plants
The first of several glass plants designed on international soil was completed for the Cervecia Moctezuma Bottling Plant in Orizaba, Mexico. DGL designed the plant (excluding equipment) under a contract with the Toledo Engineering Company.
1950s
1952
Ohio Turnpike Constructed
As one of the original designers selected by the Ohio Turnpike Commission, DGL’s section of the Turnpike in Wood County included the corridor and interchange. This landmark project helped establish DGL as a regional transportation engineering powerhouse.
1952
Drive-In Theatres Specialization
Automotive culture changed how Americans lived. Finding a unique niche, DGL supported numerous drive-in theatre locations in Ohio and neighboring states. DGL’s services ranged from full design to amenity improvements such as in-car speakers and heaters.
1955
New Office
To support our growth, DGL designed a cutting edge building on Sylvania Avenue in Toledo, Ohio. Our new home gained recognition, earning features in national architecture publications for implementation of modern amenities.
1956
Port Authority of Toledo
Following the establishment of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority in 1955, DGL’s partnership began in 1956 with work on the Presque Isle expansion as well as various other projects with the TLCPA throughout the decade.
Port Authority of Toledo
1959
The Interstate Highway System
DGL helped to shape transportation in the region, including the relocation of US-2 from Port Clinton to Huron, the relocation of US-23 from US-20 in Ohio to Dundee, Michigan, and a section of the new I-75 "Seaway Freeway" from Cygnet to Bowling Green, Ohio.
1959
DGL Subsidiary Caltec Opens
Caltec, Inc. opened for business, equipped with an IBM G-15 computer, which cost as much as DGL’s new headquarters. DGL became the first business in northwest Ohio to harness the power of electronic computational power.
DGL Subsidiary Caltec Opens
Come Back Next Month For More
Sources Cited
Libbey High School stadium, Toledo, Ohio - Toledo Lucas County Public Library Digital Collections
Anthony Wayne Memorial Bridge, Toledo, Ohio, 1930 - Toledo Lucas County Public Library Digital Collections
Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Toledo, Ohio [approximately 1938] - Toledo Lucas County Public Library Digital Collections
Jeeps and Willys Sedans coming off the assembly line, Toledo, Ohio, 1940s - Toledo Lucas County Public Library Digital Collections
Surface Combustion Corporation, Toledo, Ohio [approximately 1940] - Toledo Lucas County Public Library Digital Collections