Rack Builders Inc., Built on Experience, Driven by Relationships
By Nicole Needles
Founded in 2009 by three industry veterans, Rack Builders Inc. (RBI) was born out of a shared vision: to deliver high-quality structural racking systems through a distributor-first approach. Each founder brought over two decades of experience in manufacturing and engineering, and together they set out to fill a gap in the structural racking market. Their goal was simple but powerful – to offer superior products backed by outstanding service.
From its earliest days, RBI stood apart thanks to a deep commitment to the distributor network and a firm belief in long-term relationships.
“We’ve built our success on the hard work and dedication of our employees and the strong relationships we’ve formed with our distributors,” Tony Sineni, director of distributor sales and development, shared. That commitment has not only fueled RBI’s growth but also built a foundation for the future.
Today, RBI employs over 200 people and operates two state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in Illinois and Missouri. Their expansion reflects more than just an increase in size – it’s a testament to their focus on creativity, quality and trust.
At the heart of RBI’s success is a company culture that feels more like a family than a corporation. Employees, some of whom have worked with the founders for more than 25 years, are not just workers – they are partners whose efforts directly impact the company’s trajectory.
“We want every employee to feel the impact of their daily contributions on our company’s success,” John Schmidt, CEO, said.
That sense of belonging extends from the shop floor to the front office. From golf outings to team dinners and community give-back events, RBI places high value on connection and camaraderie. These shared experiences not only boost morale but also reinforce the supportive, collaborative spirit that defines RBI.
As warehousing and logistics evolve, so do the demands placed on material handling professionals. RBI has seen firsthand the shift toward faster lead times, customized engineered systems and increased automation. Safety compliance and more complex SKU management have added additional pressure on warehouses to adapt.
To meet these demands, RBI has doubled down on what they do best – delivering smart, durable storage solutions. The company has invested heavily in engineering talent, manufacturing efficiencies and distributor training programs to ensure its partners stay competitive.
“We offer training and support to help our distributors better serve their customers,” Sineni shared, underscoring their dedication to partnership.
Automation, in particular, has emerged as a major opportunity for the industry. With warehouse labor shortages and space constraints, more customers are turning to RBI for high-density, durable storage systems designed to reduce maintenance costs and maximize space.
Looking to the future, RBI has ambitious plans to remain at the forefront of the industry. Over the next five years, the company aims to become the go-to name in structural rack manufacturing, recognized for its durability, custom engineering and service-first mindset. Growth will come through expanding the distributor network, investing in automation and continually improving operational efficiencies.
RBI is also committed to staying ahead of safety standards, including RMI compliance, and helping partners leverage data to grow their own businesses.
“Ultimately, we want to make it easier for our partners to win business by being a reliable, innovative and responsive manufacturing partner,” Schmidt said.
As they look to the future, RBI remains grounded in the values that got them here: quality, inventiveness and genuine human connection. From humble beginnings to industry leadership, Rack Builders Inc. is a story of experience put into action, partnerships built on trust and a team dedicated to making a difference.
