Wilmington-based Pimentel Construction will put its name on hockey and basketball signage at Merrimack College after the two sides announced a corporate partnership Monday, Sept. 21.

The deal provides the general contractor with branding across Merrimack's men's and women's ice hockey and men's and women's basketball programs, including a logo on the Zamboni at Lawler Arena in North Andover. The Zamboni branding will be visible during Warrior hockey games and other arena events year-round, according to Merrimack Athletics.

The sponsorship builds on multiple projects Pimentel has completed on the Merrimack campus. The company built the Merrimack College Athletics Hall of Fame and handled cafeteria and health science classroom renovations.

Matt Pimentel, vice president of construction at the firm, previously served as Merrimack's head track coach. He also sits on the Ballardvale Historic Committee in Andover, according to the company's website. Two other Pimentel executives hold Merrimack degrees: CFO Lisa Tracy earned a bachelor of science in accounting there, and VP of estimating Jill Slye holds a bachelor of arts from the college.

Matt Pimentel said in the announcement that Merrimack has always been a special place for him personally, and that the company is proud to take their relationship with the college to the next level through the athletic partnership.

Athletic director Joe Foley called the partnership "a natural fit." He said Pimentel's ties to the college and the local community align with the department's push to grow corporate sponsorships with regional businesses.

That push has picked up speed. In June, Merrimack Athletics struck a separate three-year deal with Playfly Sports to manage outbound ticket sales for hockey, basketball and football, according to the department.

Pimentel Construction, headquartered at 231 Andover St. in Wilmington, is led by CEO and president Tony Pimentel, who has more than 45 years in the construction business. Financial terms of the Merrimack sponsorship were not disclosed. 

Pimentel's branding will appear at Lawler Arena and on the court once the Warriors' hockey and basketball seasons begin.