While current homeowners and contractors may know Anchor as a market leader in the retaining wall industry, our company’s history stretches back more than 100 years — decades before modern retaining wall technology was invented.

At the beginning of the 20th century, our company supplied the American Midwest with the iconic construction blocks that define many of our region’s historic buildings. Today, our commitment to producing superior construction materials remains strong, we’ve transformed and grown our business significantly.

As the construction and landscaping industries evolved, Anchor worked hard to meet the marketplace’s demands. Led by the vision of Glenn Bolles who built the company through a series of acquisitions with an incredible drive toward innovation, we invented a pinless, mortarless retaining wall system. This sought-after design made us a pioneer in the retaining wall industry, and we soon realized the opportunity to expand beyond our Minneapolis home and the Midwest.

So, in 1989 we established Anchor Wall Systems, one of the leading developers and licensors of concrete wall systems. Anchor Wall Systems now works with manufacturer licensees in the United States and more than 20 other countries to create retaining and freestanding wall systems made with natural materials. We hold more than 70 U.S. patents and numerous international patents.

Today, homeowners, business owners and communities alike recognize the impact a welcoming, visually appealing outdoor space can make. This renewed pride in one’s surroundings, along with an incredible spirit of innovation and creativity, has kept Anchor Wall Systems busy. But we’re not just keeping up with production on our current systems — we’re always looking ahead, figuring out what’s next.

Never far from a pencil and sketchpad, Glenn believes wholeheartedly that there’s always a better way to do something; you just need the creativity and dedication to figure it out. That vision leads our engineers, landscape designers, and in-town testing lab and licensed manufacturer, Anchor Block Company, to collaborate on new ideas. Fueled by our persistent curiosity, Anchor Wall Systems continues to lead the hardscapes industry with expertly engineered building products that inspire contractors and homeowners to build something beautiful.