Austin Powder has the original boom box. The company was founded in 1833 to manufacture black powder used to blast rocks, mine coal, and generally move mountains around. Today Austin Powder's commercial explosives are used primarily for construction, mining, quarrying, and seismic exploration. Products include detonating cord, detonator-sensitive emulsions, cast boosters, and high-explosive emulsions. Subsidiary Austin Star Detonator makes electric and non-electric detonators. Austin International, through joint ventures and partnerships, provides explosives for projects worldwide. The company distributes in the US and Canada through 65 stores.