Agate Construction Co., Inc.

Founded in 1981, Agate Construction is based in Clermont, New Jersey, approximately 20 miles south of Atlantic City and 50 miles southeast of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. James E. Johnston, Jr., Chairman and CEO, is a Civil Engineering graduate of Manhattan College and licensed Professional Engineer.

In 1992 Johnston’s son James, III, a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, joined the company. Since that time he has served in various capacities including Project Manager, Estimator and Director of Operations. In June 2004, Johnston was named President of Agate.

After starting with the Nuclear Division of the Chicago Bridge and Iron Co. and then with Scientific Design, an international petrochemical design/build firm, Johnston gravitated to southern New Jersey and worked for two area contractors, becoming well versed in the nuances of the state’s heavy highway and marine construction industry before starting Agate Construction.

Agate focuses on challenging projects that involve groundwater control, structures in the tidal zone and marine elements. Agate has completed projects throughout New Jersey, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and Lower Manhattan. Recent significant projects include over $40 million of outfall and rock groin construction in Deal, NJ; a $20 million marine based, 6 span bridge for Monmouth County in Red Bank, NJ and a $36 million storm drain and pump station project for the NJDOT in Bayhead and Mantoloking, NJ.