Bastion Infrastructure Group launches as Great Lakes infrastructure platform

Bastion Infrastructure Group has launched in Shelby Township, Michigan, as the operating parent for DiPonio Contracting and Lodestar Construction, with a plan to expand across the Great Lakes region. The company also named Chris Maltese CEO and Kevin Koss CFO as it shifts from a holding company to a broader infrastructure platform backed by Evolution Strategy Partners.

Why it matters: - Bastion Infrastructure Group is positioning itself as a regional platform for essential infrastructure businesses, not just a single contractor. - The move gives the company a structure to pursue more acquisitions across the Great Lakes region. - The platform combines local brand identity with centralized capital, bonding capacity, back-office systems and long-term planning.

What happened: - Bastion Infrastructure Group, formerly DiPonio Holdings, formally launched as an operating platform. - The company is headquartered in Shelby Township, Michigan. - Bastion is backed by Evolution Strategy Partners, an Austin-based independent sponsor focused on lower middle market essential businesses. - Chris Maltese was named chief executive officer. - Kevin Koss was named chief financial officer.

The details: - Bastion’s platform began in 2022, when Evolution partnered with DiPonio Contracting. - DiPonio Contracting is a full-service underground utility contractor serving municipal, county and state agencies across Michigan. - The company has operated for more than three decades. - Its self-performed work includes water main, sanitary and storm sewer, lead service replacement, box culvert and road base work. - Bastion later expanded through the acquisition of Lodestar Construction. - Lodestar is a second-generation Grand Rapids contractor. - Lodestar adds wet and dry utility capabilities, including electrical conduit, sewer and water main construction and road building. - Bastion said each business will keep its brand, culture, field leadership and customer relationships. - Bastion will provide operational guidance, coordination and institutional knowledge across its portfolio. - Bastion also will provide capital strength, bonding capacity, shared back-office systems and long-term strategic planning. - Bastion’s guiding principles are Preserve, Coordinate and Advance. - The company plans to acquire additional infrastructure businesses across the Great Lakes region. - Municipalities, utilities, engineering firms and owners of infrastructure businesses can learn more at more information or by contacting info@bastioninfrastructure.com. - The company also posted a LinkedIn presence at Bastion Infrastructure Group on LinkedIn.

Between the lines: - The rebrand signals a shift from a holding structure to a growth platform with a clearer operating identity. - Bastion is keeping decentralized local brands while layering in centralized support, a model meant to scale without losing customer trust. - Evolution is framing the business as a long-term partnership model rather than a traditional financial investment. - Chris Maltese said he led DiPonio Contracting to double-digit growth over the last two years and wants to carry that culture into Bastion’s next phase. - Stenning Schueppert said Bastion is intended to create a stronger foundation and a clearer identity for new partnerships.

What's next: - Bastion plans to keep expanding its footprint and capabilities through additional acquisitions in the Great Lakes region. - The company’s leadership team will be responsible for turning the new platform structure into future growth. - Evolution says it will stay engaged as Bastion pursues new partnerships.

The bottom line: - Bastion is trying to build a regional infrastructure roll-up with local operating autonomy and centralized corporate support.