Agate Construction, a trusted general contracting firm in Arizona for over 50 years, has rebranded as Primak Construction Group (PCG) following a strategic restructuring between longtime business partners Rick Nichols and Lou Primak.

The rebrand is part of a “spin-off” agreement that shifts full ownership of the construction business to Primak, who will operate from new headquarters in Phoenix. Nichols will focus exclusively on Agate Steel, an AISC-certified structural steel fabricator and erector based in Scottsdale. The move aims to strengthen each business unit’s growth while eliminating marketplace confusion.

“This isn’t just a name change—it’s a natural next step that reflects both of our respective teams’ strengths and the scale of the work ahead,” said Lou Primak, president and chief operating officer of Primak Construction Group. “We’re building on Agate’s successful legacy while creating a focused, nimble, and sophisticated construction company poised for the future that will result in ownership succession opportunities for key team members.”

Primak Construction Group will continue to serve as a full-service general contractor, design-builder, and construction manager at risk, covering projects across Arizona, Nevada, California, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, and Colorado.

The leadership team will remain strong, with Andy Platt, Bart Bates, Steve Johnson, and Zane Serrano taking on key roles, alongside 49-year Agate veteran Mark Adams, who will serve as a special assistant to Primak for client services. The 31-member PCG team brings deep expertise in industrial, manufacturing, aviation, automotive, mixed-use, energy and mining infrastructure, public works, tenant improvements, and federal construction.

Projects underway include the Falcon 12 Hangars in Mesa, South 32 Administration Complex near Patagonia, SRP Maintenance Facility in Gila Bend, the Maxway Trucking Facility in Phoenix, the Brundrett Mixed-Use Development in Gilbert, the Falco Aluminum Plant, Phase 3 in Chandler, and more.

Nichols voiced strong support for the transition. “This restructuring allows both companies to grow with clarity and purpose,” he said. “Lou and his team have the expertise and drive to elevate our construction business unit, and I’m proud to support them as they continue building remarkable projects throughout the Southwest and Mountain West.”

Primak credits his leadership style to mentors like Agate founder Jim Uhl. “Jim always said, ‘The business of construction is construction,’ and that has never been truer in today’s build environment,” Primak noted.

With a refreshed identity and sharpened focus, Primak Construction Group is ready to expand its footprint, strengthen client relationships, and create pathways for generational ownership and innovation.

The spin-off comes at a time when the construction market in the Mountain West and Southwest regions continues to show strong demand for complex, large-scale projects. With a robust backlog of work and experienced leadership, PCG aims to attract fresh talent and expand its project portfolio to meet client needs in diverse markets. The transition also highlights the importance of clear succession planning in construction firms, ensuring stability for employees and continuity for clients.

Originally reported by AZ Big Media.