25 Years Strong
Innovation and Reliability in Big Block Retaining Walls
When your solutions are engineered to last a lifetime, 25 years doesn’t seem that long. We’re pleased to be the world’s leading precast modular block retaining wall solution. But we’re most proud of the trust we’ve built with thousands of architects, engineers, installers, and project owners worldwide since we launched Redi-Rock in 2000.
Our local producer network spans the globe. But the real story isn’t just about size or reach; it’s about the vision, struggles, and teamwork that fueled the journey. Ben Manthei shares how the world's leading large block retaining wall solution got its start.
A Road Less Traveled
A look at the stops along the Redi-Rock road.
Off the Wall
Early company names used before Redi-Rock was finalized in 2006 included “Jimmy’s Jumbo Blocks” and “American Redi-Bloc.”
Innovation That Never Sleeps
The solution that truly changed the retaining wall game – Redi-Rock’s gravity block – was created in 1999. Gravity walls deliver taller walls in smaller footprints by using their own weight to resist the soil pressure behind them and hold back the earth. But we didn’t stop with just one great idea.
2007
Redi-Rock Wall+
Redi-Rock Wall+ (RRWall+) was launched in 2007 in partnership with Fine Software, a leader in geotechnical design solutions. Available in six languages, RRWall+ is a free software platform for designing and analyzing Redi-Rock gravity and MSE/reinforced retaining walls.
2011
Positive Connection (PC) Blocks
Redi-Rock introduced its patented Positive Connection (PC) block concept in 2011, changing the game for mechanically stabilized earth (MSE)/reinforced retaining walls. In addition to allowing the installation of retaining walls up to 50 ft (15.2 m) high, Redi-Rock’s PC blocks offer a corrosion-free connection and are incredibly efficient to install.
2019
XL Hollow Core Blocks
More height. Less weight. It’s the best of both worlds since Redi-Rock debuted XL Hollow Core blocks in 2019. At twice the height of regular Redi-Rock blocks, walls install faster. And featuring a hollow interior that saves in transport costs and allows for fill to be placed on-site, XL Hollow Core blocks save time, space, and resources.
Off the Wall
The blocks that launched Redi-Rock were designed and produced as a one-time solution for a much larger construction project. Project owners in Bay Harbor, Michigan, required a retaining wall to prep a site for Manthei Construction to begin a large building project. Jim and Ben Manthei believed they could develop a retaining wall solution themselves. The rest, as they say, is history.
Family Owned, Family Operated
Two generations of Mantheis have left their mark on the precast concrete industry. Redi-Rock isn’t the story of a eureka moment leading to easy money and business success. It’s a tale of determination, innovation, imagination, and a pile of grit. Values of leadership, fortitude, and compassion continue to serve as the company’s foundation today.
A growing network of 130+ producer partners worldwide – many of whom are family-owned operations themselves – is a testament to doing business the right way.
Off the Wall
The first face texture, dubbed “Classic,” was released with the brand launch in 2000. A year later, the popular Limestone relief was introduced. Cobblestone followed in 2002, with Ledgestone (2009) and Kingstone (2017) rounding out Redi-Rock’s texture selections.
Global Impacts on a Grand Scale
Redi-Rock has spent a lot of time on the world stage, helping engineers overcome some of their biggest challenges. Read about a few of their more noteworthy projects.
Off the Wall
Redi-Rock’s proprietary knob and groove interlocking design concept was first sketched out on a napkin in 1999. No word on whether the napkin had been used or not.