Maine Drilling & Blasting (MD&B), a leading provider of drilling and blasting services, is celebrating its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of steady growth, innovation and expansion across multiple markets.
Founded in 1966, the company has grown into an employee-owned organization with more than 600 workers operating across a wide geographic footprint and a diverse range of services. Company leaders say its longevity is rooted in adaptability and a commitment to continuous improvement.
“Every company needs to evolve to sustain itself, and to advance into the future,” said Dan Werner, president and CEO of MD&B. “Thanks to our founding principles, we have been able to evolve and accelerate operations to better support our customers. We strive to remain industry leaders by constantly using the latest technology and regularly reviewing internal safety and operating standards. With a strong foundation, MD&B is excited and prepared for the future. We’re just getting started.”
MD&B was established on March 3, 1966, by Ted Purington Sr. and his wife, Judy Purington, at their kitchen table in Gardiner, Maine. What began as a small, family-run operation has since expanded throughout New England, the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States, with additional operations in the Caribbean.
Through economic cycles and changing market conditions, the company has maintained a focus on innovation and strategic growth. During the 2000s, MD&B applied advanced drilling and blasting techniques to complex infrastructure and energy projects, including hydroelectric dams, wind farms and solar developments.
Over the years, the company has completed controlled blasting operations for a wide range of applications, including highways, site development, quarries, utilities, marine construction and residential projects. Its portfolio reflects decades of experience managing technically challenging work environments.
Strategic acquisitions have also played a key role in MD&B’s expansion. The company has completed 10 acquisitions since 1996, with the most recent occurring in 2025.
“Each acquisition has provided unique opportunities to support and advance new markets,” Werner said. “The invaluable relationships and trust we’ve built across the country ensures that MD&B remains a leader in the industry both on and off the job.”
Today, MD&B operates from its headquarters in Gardiner with offices in 11 states, serving customers from Maine to Florida with localized teams and resources.
Werner, who became president in 2016, represents the third generation of leadership at MD&B. He began his career with the company as a laborer after receiving military training in explosives, later advancing through multiple leadership roles, including divisional manager, regional manager and senior vice president.
The company continues to invest in workforce development through its internal MDBU training program, aimed at advancing employee skills and leadership capabilities.
A defining feature of MD&B’s business model is its employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), which began in 2004 as part of a transition from family ownership. By 2017, employees held a majority ownership stake.
On the 20-year anniversary of employee ownership in 2024, Werner emphasized the benefits of the structure for both employees and clients.
“While employees are rewarded with increased financial security and additional retirement funds, the customers of MD&B are benefiting from the motivated workforce with heightened morale, higher standards of service, and new levels of performance,” he said.
Werner added that employee ownership remains central to the company’s culture and operational success.
“Our strong culture of ownership drives our performance, safeguards our people and projects, encourages us to innovate, enables efficient execution for our customers, and largely contributes to operating one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated drilling and blasting organizations,” he said.
As MD&B enters its seventh decade, the company plans to continue prioritizing innovation, safety and long-term partnerships with customers and stakeholders.
Originally reported by MD & B in ACP Pub.
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