Our Story
keeping the spirit of the West’s pioneers alive and well.
The frontier towns of the American West were built on promise and possibilities by pioneers who worked hard and dreamed big. Even though that was over 100 years ago, the values they lived by back then – honesty, pride, respect – are still just as prevalent today. In fact, they’re the foundation of the Simon culture, and guide us every day.
It’s in our DNA to work the only way there is – the right way.
It’s why you’ll never see us compromise on integrity or take a shortcut.
It’s a philosophy that’s stood the test of time, and allowed us to shape the landscape since 1954.
Founded in 1954 with integrity, quality and reliability
Simon was founded 64 years ago in 1954 by James E. Simon. At the time, James Simon was just a guy who liked to play with big toys – the messier the job, the better. He started his company by taking-on any kind of construction job he could get his hands on. The projects started with minor building, concrete and pipe – and eventually asphalt work.
1950’s
James Simon incorporated Simon Contractors in North Platte, NE in 1954. The company started by taking-on any kind of construction job James Simon could get his hands on. The projects started with minor building, concrete and pipe – and eventually asphalt work.
1960’s
To better accommodate increasing asphalt projects, Simon opened an Asphalt plant in North Platte, NE in the late 60’s. The North Platte plant enabled the company to make asphalt a predominate part of Simon’s business.
1970’s
Throughout the 70’s, Simon acquired three more locations in Nebraska: Ogallala, Sidney, and Scottsbluff. Simon continued to expand its business by building multiple schools, office buildings, and the original Great Plains Regional Medical Center Building in North Platte, NE.
1980’s
In the early 80’s, James Simon purchased Reed Ready Mix in Cheyenne, WY. This facility empowered Simon to create concrete mixtures offsite and deliver in bulk to construction sites.
1990’s
By the 90’s, Simon’s Bridge Division was seizing tremendous financial opportunity in bridge building and maintenance. Simon aligned with the most capable professionals and made the venture work. Because of the growth, diversity, and quality of their work, Simon quickly outgrew their original headquarters and received the attention of Colas who acquired them in October of 1994.
2000’s
By this time, Simon had completed projects in most states west of the Mississippi River, operating as part of Colas North America. Simon operated locations in Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, and South Dakota. In 2000, Simon acquired Ogallala Ready Mix in Ogallala, NE and Milestone Redi Mix in Sidney, NE. In 2004, Simon acquired Sterling Ready Mix in Sterling, CO. In 2008, Simon acquired Scottsbluff Ready Mix and Green Brothers Ready Mix in Fort Morgan, CO. In 2015, Simon Contractors acquired Hills Materials, Intermountain Construction and Materials (ICM), and Osborne Concrete. In 2016, Simon acquired Willits Aggregate in Cheyenne, WY.
Now
For over half a century, several acquisitions, and operating under a world-renowned construction company, Simon is proud to have fostered a company that operates with integrity, quality, and reliability. In 2018, Simon Contractors rebranded all of its subsidiaries under one name, Simon.
