Olson Explosives, Inc., a privately held corporation located in Decorah, Iowa. The business was originally founded in 1960 by Donald Olson as a jobber for Hercules, Inc. In 1968, Kenneth L. Olson purchased part of the business from his brother, Don. The Company incorporated in 1971 and began operation as a full-time explosives distributor. Ken Olson became the sole owner in 1985. Kenneth remained active on a limited basis until his passing in October of 2010. Olson Explosives, Inc. continues to be a family run business with both second and third generation actively managing the company.
Olson Explosives, Inc. has been providing our customers with a full line of commercial explosive products, services, and support throughout the “Upper Midwest” for over 60 years. We are a technologically oriented company, aiming to provide our customers with their greatest amount of value in the products and services we offer, carried out in a safe and efficient manner. We supply and service the surface and underground aggregate, mining, sand, and industrial minerals marketplace, as well as various sectors of the construction industry with their assorted explosive needs. We support our customers long term success by offering superior technical assistance and services. Technical services provided include shot design and timing, signature hole analysis, bore tracking, vent shaft design and blasting, assistance in mine planning and many other advance technical services. We also In addition, we also offer over-the-road transportation and commercial cartage services for our customers and fellow explosive distributors throughout the region. Olson Explosives is proud to be a member of the Orica Independent Distributor Group of companies.
To ensure Olson Explosives, Inc. was able to meet customer needs, a trucking division was developed in order to provide a reliable supply of explosives products at a cost effective price. The trucking operation does business in 17 states and when not hauling explosives products for Olson Explosives, Inc. or other Orica Independent Distributors, will haul general commodities under contract.