The company was founded, early in 1979 in Cape Town, by Holger Rust.

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 millions 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, Turkey, India, Europe and United Arab Emirates. Negotiations are underway with potential new licensees in Europe and some Asian Countries.

Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA) of South Africa - Awards

In 1998, 2000 and 2002, Terraforce managed to secure the premier award in the earth retaining category, and in 2004, Terraforce won all the awards allocated to the retaining walls elements category. In 2006 Terraforce again won the Premier Award.