Headquartered in Clayton, Missouri, Olin’s parent companies were both created in 1892. It was Franklin W. Olin, who founded the Equitable Powder Company in East Alton, Illinois. The business back then manufactured explosives which it sells to the coal mind and limestone quarrying companies in the area. As competition in the market intensified, the business needs to find other means to stay in the business. Their main competing company, the Remington and Winchester was able to shut down some of their competition. Because of the aggressiveness of their competition, the company has to diversify to keep the business afloat. This led to the acquisition of the Mathieson Chemical Corporation, also known as the Mathieson Alkali Works.
Their ammunition business segment was fortified during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. It continues to serve not just the United States of America but also other countries around the world.