The
company was founded, early in 1979 in Cape Town, by Holger
Rust.
Innovation. Dedication. Success.
Initially an importer and distributor of wiremesh gabions
from Spain, Terraforce became involved in the construction
of gabion retaining walls and erosion control measures in
1981. This led to the realisation that in many instances gabions
are not cost effective or practical. After considering various
alternative methods that were known at that time, it was decided
to design a more versatile one block system. During 1984 the
first Terraforce S. blocks (50kg ea.) were produced on a small
home-built "egg layer" block machine. In 1986 daily
production reached 400 blocks for "major" orders
received. Today combined Terraforce block sales, equalling
over 6000sq.m per month are achieved in Cape Town alone, and
over 1 million sq.m of wall area have been sold world-wide.
Expanding - locally and abroad
The local market readily accepted the product and first license
agreements were signed during 1986. A few years later the
product was well established in South Africa, with 9 licensees
producing in all major centres. By now the product range had
been extended to cover light and heavy earth retaining blocks,
an accessory block for stairs / seating , and erosion control
or grass blocks. Worldwide, Terraforce blocks are now available
in Canada, the U.S.A., Brazil, Australia and New Zealand.
Negotiations are underway with potential new licensees in
Europe and some Asian Countries.
And the awards came (and still
do) rolling in. In 1998,
2000 and 2002,
Terraforce managed to secure the premier award in the earth
retaining category.
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