Agate Construction Rebrands as Primak Construction Group
In a significant strategic move, Agate Construction, a reputable general contracting firm established in Arizona for over 50 years, has undergone a major rebranding to become Primak Construction Group (PCG). The transition follows a restructuring initiative led by longtime founders and business partners, Rick Nichols and Lou Primak, aimed at optimizing their individual business strategies and operations.
This rebranding marks a pivotal moment for both entities as Primak assumes full ownership of the construction segment, shifting its operations to a new headquarters in Phoenix. Nichols will direct his efforts exclusively on Agate Steel, a premier structural steel fabrication and erection business located in Scottsdale, thus allowing both to refine their focus on their respective areas of expertise. The decision was rooted in the necessity to enhance clarity in branding and eliminate potential confusion within the competitive construction market.
Lou Primak, the newly appointed president and chief operating officer of Primak Construction Group, articulated the vision behind this change, stating, "This isn't just a name change - it's a natural next step that reflects our teams' strengths and the scope of future work ahead." Primak Construction Group aims to build on the solid reputation of Agate while cultivating a more agile and sophisticated construction company, ideally positioned for growth and succession opportunities for key team members.
PCG will continue its legacy as a full-service general contractor, design-builder, and construction manager at risk within the Mountain West and Southwest regions. The company plans to deepen its collaborative efforts with clients and pursue strategic opportunities across various states, including Arizona, Nevada, California, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, and Colorado. The new headquarters is strategically positioned at 5555 East Van Buren St., Suite 235 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The leadership team at PCG remains intact and is poised to drive the company's mission forward. Key management members, such as Andy Platt, Bart Bates, Steve Johnson, and Zane Serrano, will join Lou Primak, leveraging decades of collective experience to lead projects across various sectors including industrial, aviation, automotive, energy, and public works. Additionally, Mark Adams, a veteran of Agate for 49 years, takes on a special role focusing on client services.
Current and upcoming projects at PCG include:
- - Falcon 12 Hangars: Construction of twelve private hangars in Mesa, AZ.
- - South 32 Administration Complex: Emergency response facilities in Patagonia, AZ.
- - SRP Maintenance Facility: Training facility in Gila Bend, AZ.
- - Maxway Trucking Facility: Distribution center in Phoenix, AZ.
- - Brundrett Mixed-Use Development: A commercial space in Gilbert, AZ.
- - Corrosion Testing Facility: For a client in Maricopa, AZ.
- - Falco Aluminum Plant, Phase 3: Expansion project in Chandler, AZ.
- - Norwood Furniture Remodel: Renovation of a furniture store in Gilbert, AZ.
- - City of Henderson Field House: A large project in Henderson, NV.
- - Chapman Automotive Group Expansion: Site improvements for a BMW dealership in Phoenix, AZ.
The rebranding initiative also opens new avenues for ownership succession and recruitment, catering to the increasing demands from specialized projects across the Southwest and Mountain West. As the construction landscape evolves, the ownership transition has been embraced positively by Nichols, who underlined how this new structure will allow both organizations to thrive with defined objectives and ambitions.
Primak reflects on the inspiration and guidance received from industry luminaries, including Jim Uhl, the founder of Agate, who laid the foundations of success upon which PCG stands today. "Jim always said, 'The business of construction is construction,' and this remains a critical tenet as we navigate today’s dynamic environment," Primak emphasizes.
As Primak Construction Group emerges with a reformed identity and focused aspirations, the firm is set to embark on a transformative journey, championing growth, exceptional client service, and innovative construction practices across the region.