Toll Company was founded in 1945 by Hans Robert Toll (Bob). By 1948, it became a distributor for Union Carbide and soon after launched Toll Tabulating for bookkeeping services. In 1951, Toll Cryogenics was established to serve the medical industry, leading to the company’s move to Nicollet Island to house its expanding operations.
In the 1960s, Toll relocated to East Hennepin Ave, significantly enhancing its delivery capabilities and expanding retail stores across the Twin Cities. The 1970s brought further change, with Bob Toll establishing an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) in 1975. After Bob’s tragic death in 1979, his family took over the business.
The 1980s were transformative, as the company relocated to Taft Street NE in 1984 and became fully employee-owned after rejecting an acquisition offer from Union Carbide. In the 1990s, Toll Company continued to grow, moving to its current headquarters at Niagara Lane in 1994, building a new cylinder-filling plant in 1997, and expanding its lab capabilities.
The 2000s saw Toll acquire Capitol City Welding Supply, invest in a rental fleet, and achieve ISO accreditation. The company continued to consolidate and innovate in the 2010s, becoming the most advanced gas lab in the Midwest and launching a digital store.
An Air Separation Unit (ASU), or otherwise known as an air separation plant, separates atmospheric air into its primary components — typically nitrogen, oxygen, and argon.
Absolute Air is proud to partner with some of the most reputable independent gas companies in the region