A Century of Building Excellence

United Infrastructure Group, Inc. (UIG) is proud to celebrate 100 years of engineering innovation, construction excellence, and visionary leadership in the Southeastern United States. From humble beginnings in 1924 to becoming one of the region’s premier transportation-infrastructure firms, UIG has remained steadfast in its mission—delivering best-in-class road and bridge solutions while fostering a culture of integrity, innovation, and community.

Web Image of Bridge

SC 9 over Catawba River. The First Bridge Story

UNITED INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP

our purpose

Foster growth and diversity in resources and disciplines by developing and motivating exceptional leaders in a Christian environment to achieve excellence by every standard of measure.

Humble Beginnings

Our story began when Frederick Amzi (F.A.) Triplett, alongside R.H. Small, founded Small & Triplett Construction Company. Their very first bridge project in Morristown, Tennessee, laid the groundwork for what would become a century-long legacy of infrastructure excellence. By 1926, they had completed a major milestone project in South Carolina—the SC 9 bridge over the Catawba River in Chester County—establishing the Triplett family name in the industry.

In 1934, F.A. Triplett took sole ownership, forming F.A. Triplett, Inc. Armed with only a seventh-grade education but a visionary spirit, he became a pioneer in bridge construction, shaping the industry until his passing in 1962.

Copy of Pinnacle Newsletter Volume 1 Issue 4 1

A Family Legacy of Innovation

F.A.’s sons carried forward his mission with extraordinary ingenuity:

– Frederick (Fred) Triplett, Jr., a Clemson College graduate, was known for his engineering mastery and inventive approach. He designed overhead gantry cranes for bridge projects and even modified crane controls to help a disabled veteran continue working—earning him South Carolina’s “Employer of the Year” award in 1976.
– James Thomas (Tom) Triplett, also a Clemson alumnus, was a prolific inventor with over 30 patents spanning barges, cranes, trailers, and windmills. A true entrepreneur, Tom founded and consolidated multiple companies into United Contractors, Inc. in 1978—the direct predecessor of UIG.

Together, they laid the foundation for a culture of innovation, resilience, and service that continues to define UIG.

Best in Class: Building the Future

UIG’s core strength remains bridge and highway construction, but the company has continually evolved to meet the demands of an ever-changing industry.

– Diverse Capabilities: Demolition, culverts, fabrication, and engineering services allow UIG to control quality, timelines, and outcomes.
– Collaborative Partnerships: Strategic alliances with culturally aligned owner-operators enhance innovation and delivery.
– Kaizen Culture: A commitment to continuous improvement and training at every level ensures we remain “best in class.”

Our Christ-centered Purpose Statement reflects the heart of our culture:

“Foster growth and diversity in resources and disciplines by developing and motivating exceptional leaders in a Christian environment to achieve excellence by every standard of measure.”

This commitment to people, quality, and purpose remains the cornerstone of UIG’s success.

2021 DBIA National Merit Award
US15 over Indian Fields Swamp Bridge
2021 PDCA Project of the Year Award
US21 over Harbor River
2021 CAGC Construction Excellence Award
2021 CAGC Pinnacle Award
I-77 over Catawba River
2022 DBIA National Merit Award
US21 over Harbor River
2022 CAGC Pinnacle Award
BMW-LCX Power Feed Project & Expansion
2023 GHCA-GDOT Contractor of the Year Award
US21 over Altamaha River

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Next Century

In 2024, F.A., Fred, and Tom Triplett—along with Jim—were inducted into the Carolinas AGC Legacy Hall of Fame, honoring their extraordinary impact on the infrastructure industry.

As we embark on our second century, UIG remains focused on developing exceptional leaders, embracing cutting-edge technology, and delivering transformative infrastructure solutions for communities across the Southeast.

From a single bridge in Tennessee to an enduring legacy spanning generations, UIG’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of family leadership.


United Infrastructure Group, Inc.
Celebrating 100 years of building connections that last for generations.

United Infrastructure Group 100 Year Timeline 3
The United Infrastructure Group

Visionary Leadership for a New Era

Today, James (Jim) E. Triplett, Tom’s son, serves as UIG’s CEO. A Clemson-trained civil engineer and one of the foremost leaders in design-build and bridge construction, Jim has guided UIG into a new century.

Under his leadership, UIG expanded its reach, acquiring active Triplett-family companies and rebranding as United Infrastructure Group, Inc. in 2010. Jim’s focus on integrating design and construction expertise has allowed UIG to create more buildable, efficient, and cost-effective infrastructure solutions.

Known for rapid emergency mobilizations—from rebuilding critical bridges on Christmas Eve to aiding disaster relief efforts across the Southeast—UIG has earned a reputation for reliability, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the traveling public.

James Triplett resized
James Triplett

CEO & President

Chris Sisk
Christopher Sisk

Chief Financial Officer

Michael Grey resized
Michael Grey

Chief Business Officer

Anthony Geach resized
Anthony Geach

Chief Operations Officer

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