EKHO Infrastructure Solutions has announced three strategic additions to its mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) and retaining wall business: the integration of Ground Improvement Systems (GIS) and Structured Soils Inc. (SSI), two specialized geotechnical engineering firms, and the acquisition of the ARES geosynthetic retaining wall system from Tensar Corporation. The moves collectively accelerate EKHO’s expansion into the U.S. retaining wall and earth retention market, a sector the company has only recently begun targeting as a strategic growth priority. Financial terms were not disclosed.
GIS and SSI bring established expertise in MSE system design, retaining wall engineering, geotechnical analysis, and soil reinforcement, with a track record supporting transportation and heavy civil infrastructure projects. Their combined technical capabilities and existing market relationships give EKHO an immediate foothold in a specialized segment that requires deep engineering credentialing and state-level approvals to compete effectively.
The ARES acquisition from Tensar expands EKHO’s product offering beyond its existing steel-reinforced MSE solutions into geosynthetic reinforcement — a category relevant for projects where corrosion risk, environmental specifications, or client requirements preclude steel reinforcement, or where native onsite backfill is preferred. ARES carries approvals in 37 U.S. states, including major markets such as California, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Florida where EKHO previously lacked a geosynthetic-approved product. That approval footprint gives EKHO near-immediate commercial access to markets that would otherwise require years of qualification work.
EKHO, which provides noise barriers, retaining walls, and precast concrete structures for transportation, energy, and construction markets across North America, now offers both steel- and geosynthetic-reinforced MSE solutions with DOT-approved product lines across most U.S. states and Canada.
KEY QUOTES:
“With 37 state approvals, the addition of the ARES product line significantly expands EKHO’s reach within the U.S. retaining wall market. ARES holds one of the broadest approval footprints in the industry, providing EKHO immediate access to key markets where we previously did not have a geosynthetic offering, including California, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Florida.”
Justin Wexler, COO, EKHO Infrastructure Solutions
