Stanton, Calif. - based ORCO Block Co., Inc., kept pace with the burgeoning concrete block industry and quietly grew into one of its leaders. Over the years, ORCO literally has provided the foundation on which much of Southern California is built to become a major seller of concrete block. ORCO also has become one of the top-ten concrete block manufacturers in the nation. It produces more than 500 stock items and maintains an ongoing emphasis on product research and development, quality control testing and support of technical studies. Its progressive management believes in re-investing profits back into the company.

Since 1982, ORCO has consolidated its Orange County operations into its Stanton facility, expanded its Riverside plant, purchased competitors in Oceanside, Banning, and opened a new Romoland/Perris facility. As a result, the company now operates 12 block-making machines in five locations that can use 80 semi-truckloads of raw materials a day to produce enough block in one year to build a six-foot high wall more than 900 miles long - or from San Diego to Eugene, Oregon.

ORCO currently employs 150 people, many of whom have been with the company for more than 20 years thanks to the company's progressive entrepreneurial management style that provides independence and allows workers and their duties to grow.

Orco's commitment to service, leadership and the community is evident by Rick's 1995 Chairmanship of the National Concrete Masonry Association. He is the first son to follow in his father's footsteps as leader of the organization. Pete served as the elected chair in 1966.

Tribute to Peter Muth (3/26/14 – 12/10/03)

Orco Block Company experienced a great loss in 2003. Our company’s founder, Peter Muth, passed away from natural causes on December 10, 2003. Peter Muth lived an interesting and full life and will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Pete was born on March 26, 1914 in Montana. As a child, Pete grew up on an Indian reservation in Montana. “He loved to tell stories about growing up on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana,” said his son, Rick Muth. “Dad knew the scout for General Custer. His name was Curley. As a child, Dad sold the Indians, that were in the battle with Custer, hot dogs and Cokes at the battle’s 50th anniversary in 1926.”

Montana-born Peter Muth grew up in the cold country. “In World War II, Pete served in the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor and he was delighted with the weather there,” said Rick. “So California was the place for him.” Peter and Mary Muth were married in 1939 and celebrated 64 years of matrimony. They came to California in 1946 and helped launch the Orco Block Company.

Pete Muth , his father, George Muth, and brother-in-law, Frank Hertz founded the Orco Block Company in 1946. At that time there were 253 block-making companies in California, now there are “10 or 11” left. And Orco is growing. “He always enjoyed his block-making and associations, “ said Rick. “He was proud of the fact we were the only father and son team to both serve as presidents of our national associations.” Rick has followed his dad as president of Orco Block Company for 35 years. “Dad never formally retired,” said Rick. “He was still the chairman of the board.”

“Dad also loved to fly his own plane. He flew the Arctic Circle and flew around the Statue of Liberty and to Costa Rica. He flew from 1949 until he was 79 in 1994.” Pete also loved to give back to the community. Pete and Mary Muth are well-known philanthropists. They have donated generously to many foundations such as the Providence Speech and Hearing Center in Orange, the Boys and Girls Club of Stanton, and many other charities and community organizations.

Pete and Mary had four children: Rick, Lynn, who is vice president of Orco Block; Mitzi; and Kathleen, who died in 1988. There are nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Other survivors include Muth’s brother, Carl, of Bishop and his sister, Anna, of Canyon Lake.

Pete was loved and admired by many that knew them and will be dearly missed.