Crosstown Capital Partners backs Southeast Indiana steel group expansion

Crosstown Capital Partners has invested in MAK Steel Services, Trinity Steel Services and Advantage Steel, with founders rolling over equity and staying in leadership. The deal is set to fund a larger fabrication facility, more hiring and a wider Midwest and Southeast footprint.

Why it matters: - The investment gives the steel group capital to expand capacity, add jobs and reach more construction markets. - General contractors will be able to source fabrication, supply and erection from one combined partner across a broader geographic footprint. - The founders staying in place reduces transition risk and keeps the existing operating team intact.

What happened: - Crosstown Capital Partners completed an investment in MAK Steel Services, Trinity Steel Services and Advantage Steel. - The three companies fabricate, supply and erect structural steel and miscellaneous metals for commercial and industrial construction. - The businesses will keep their names, leadership teams and customer relationships. - The founders rolled over a substantial portion of their equity and remain owners alongside Crosstown. - Kyle Elkins remains President of the combined entities. - Matthew VonDielingen continues as VP of Sales and leads business development. - Floyd Stalker continues as VP of Operations and leads the erection division. - The management team, trade workforce and day-to-day operating approach do not change.

The details: - The investment will support a new fabrication facility designed to expand shop capacity. - The new facility will add automation to improve throughput and quality. - The companies expect to add more than 75 positions over the next several years. - Hiring is expected across fabrication, field and support roles. - The combined group plans to extend service further across the Midwest and Southeast. - The companies are based in Seymour, Indiana. - Together, MAK Steel Services, Trinity Steel Services and Advantage Steel employ about 150 people. - MAK Steel Services was founded in 2020. - The companies provide structural steel fabrication, miscellaneous metals, material supply and steel erection to general contractors and owners across the United States. - Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. - Crosstown Capital Partners is a Columbus, Indiana-based family office that acquires and operates lower-middle-market companies in essential services and industrial end markets. - Crosstown invests as an operating partner, not a passive holder, and builds businesses alongside founders. - The company's announcement

Between the lines: - The deal is structured to pair outside capital with continuity at the top, which can make growth plans easier to execute. - Crosstown's operating-partner approach suggests a hands-on role in scaling the business rather than a financial-only investment. - The emphasis on a single source for fabrication, supply and erection points to a push for larger, more integrated projects.

What's next: - The companies will move ahead with the new fabrication facility and related automation plans. - Hiring will ramp over the next several years as the group expands. - The combined business will pursue more work across the Midwest and Southeast as it broadens its service area. - Customers and contractors should expect the existing leadership team to remain the public face of the businesses.

The bottom line: - Crosstown is betting on a founder-led steel platform with room to scale, and the deal is designed to grow capacity without disrupting the core operation.