About Gates of Colorado · Denver
Gates Concrete Forming Systems, founded in 1948 by Lee Gates, Sr., is a leader in concrete forming products for residential and commercial construction. Based in Denver, Colorado, the company specializes in job-built forms, including horizontal rod systems, cam-lock systems, anchor-lock gang systems, and Lok Fast column clamps. They also design custom forms for stadium seating, risers, and elevator shafts. The business has a long history rooted in innovation, beginning with Lee Gates’ invention of the twisted-wire form tie in the late 1920s, which revolutionized concrete formwork efficiency.
Gates Concrete Forming Systems offers a comprehensive range of concrete forming solutions for builders and contractors. Their product lines include residential systems like the Horizontal Rod System, commercial systems such as the Cam-Lock and Anchor-Lock Gang Systems, and specialized forms for elevator shafts, stadium seating, and custom builds. The company has been in operation since 1948 and is headquartered in Denver, with offices in Indianapolis and Colorado. Gates is known for its engineering-driven approach, custom fabrication, and historical innovation in concrete forming technology. Their products are designed for speed, safety, and adaptability across a wide range of construction projects.
- In business
- since 1948
- Owner
- Lee Gates, Sr.
- Serves
- Nationwide, with offices in Denver, CO; Indianapolis, IN
About Us
Gates & Sons, Inc. has been a leader in concrete forming since 1948. Gates offers forming products for residential and commercial construction. Our main line of products are the Horizontal Rod System for residential construction; the Cam-Lock System, a quick hand-set forming system; four sizes of Anchor-Lock Gang Systems for light to heavy duty gang forming; and the Lok Fast Column Clamp for rapid placement column forming.
History
Lee Gates, Sr. invented his first twisted-wire form tie in the late 1920s while working on a mausoleum at Crown Hill Cemetery in Denver. His innovation replaced slow, manual methods with faster, more efficient systems. After WWII, Gates adapted his designs to use plywood and galvanized steel, expanding nationwide. He died in 1975 and is buried near the mausoleum where his first forms were used.
Get Educated
Explore educational resources like the Water Column Test, which demonstrates pressure equivalence across different wall thicknesses. View galleries and learn more about Gates’ engineering and product development.