In 1891, The Gilson Manufacturing Company came into existence in Port Washington, Wisconsin, USA, to manufacture gasoline engines, though Gilsons had been manufacturing agricultural equipment since 1850. 

Harry W. Bolens and John Gilson Snr became known to each other in the early 1890s when Bolens, a well-known newspaper editor and inventor, became a large investor in the Gilson products, notably the swivelling office chair developed by John. John Gilson and Harry Bolens were the leading forces behind The Gilson Manufacturing Company, with Bolens holding the controlling interest in the plant, with the title of Secretary and Sales Manager at first, rising to President in 1909. He remained with the company until 1939, passing away not many years afterward, in 1944. Growth was good during this period, and the predominant products manufactured included power garden tractors and lawn mowers and, with Bolens being granted nearly 200 patents on chair and furniture fixtures, the company rose to become the leading manufacturer of office chair irons in the world.