- Founded
- 1934-01-01 in Des Moines, Iowa, USA
- Headquarters
- Monett, Missouri, USA
EFCO is a family-owned manufacturer and supplier of concrete forming and shoring systems for the construction industry, founded in 1934 by W. A. Jennings. Headquartered in Monett, Missouri, the company operates 26 district offices across 13 countries and serves contractors worldwide through rental and direct sales. EFCO differentiates itself with in-house engineering, on-site training, and a dedicated field-service team, supporting projects ranging from box culverts and tunnels to high-rises and bridges. With over 140 territory managers and two manufacturing plants in Des Moines, Iowa, and Georgetown, Ontario, this B2B supplier has built a reputation for customer-specific solutions and long-standing relationships spanning more than 85 years.
Detailed Review
History and Founding
EFCO traces its roots to the Great Depression, when founder W. A. Jennings started the business in 1934 as a metal fabricator in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1959, his son Al Jennings, then a recent engineering graduate from Iowa State, teamed with Ralph Hull to shift the company into concrete formwork, a move that defined its modern identity. Al Jennings later served as Chairman and CEO, steering the company through decades of expansion. A leadership transition occurred in 2021 when a new CEO (Bennethum) and President (Walter) were appointed, with Al Jennings remaining Chairman.
Business Model and Products
EFCO’s core offering includes a wide range of formwork solutions such as hand-set forms for small projects, ganged forming systems for repetitive pours, shoring towers for elevated slabs, and custom engineered solutions for complex geometries like curved walls and tunnels. The company also provides the "EFCO Online" portal for real-time project tracking and equipment management. Its business model is B2B, selling and renting equipment directly to contractors through its district offices, with a strong emphasis on engineering support and on-site field training to ensure safe and efficient use.
Market Position and Global Presence
EFCO operates in 13 countries, primarily in North America, with 26 district offices and two manufacturing plants. The company has completed landmark projects including the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge and Miami Marlins Stadium. Its competitive advantages are broad inventory, detailed formwork drawings produced by its engineering team, and a dedicated field-service team that enhances contractor productivity. While annual revenue and total headcount are not publicly disclosed, the firm’s longevity and repeat customer base indicate a stable, mid-sized enterprise.
Differentiation and Strategy
EFCO emphasizes customer-specific solutions and long-term relationships. The company differentiates itself through in-house engineering, on-site training, and a dedicated field-service team that supports contractor productivity and safety. With over 140 territory managers and a presence in 13 countries, EFCO continues to serve the construction market, focusing on infrastructure and commercial projects.
Key Products
Hand-Set Forms
Modular, lightweight panels for walls, columns, and foundations suited for smaller projects.
Ganged Forming Systems
Large, pre-assembled panels for repetitive pours on high-rise and heavy civil projects.
Shoring Towers
Adjustable support systems for elevated slabs, bridges, and heavy-load applications.
Custom Engineered Solutions
Tailored formwork for complex geometries such as curved walls, tunnels, and power-plant structures.
EFCO Online
Web-based platform for real-time project status, equipment tracking, and inventory management.
Field Engineering & Training
On-site technical support and safety training provided by EFCO’s field service team.
Key Persons
- Al Jennings
Chairman of the Board