Michael Thorne Construction was founded in 1969 by Michael Thorne, who began building farm trailers in a repurposed Nissen hut. As the company’s reputation for quality craftsmanship grew, so too did the scope of its work. Over the following decades, the business expanded into larger construction projects, including the design and build of the elephant and giraffe house at Paignton Zoo, as well as warehousing facilities for McBains Antiques at Exeter Airport. These projects reflected the company’s ability to take on complex and bespoke construction work while maintaining the hands-on approach and personal service that defined its early years.
In 2010, the business entered a new chapter when ownership transitioned to Paul Conibear and Ian Rice. Under their leadership, the company evolved into C&R Construction, continuing to serve the agricultural and industrial sectors with high-quality steel-framed buildings and turnkey construction solutions.
Today
The company’s growth continued, and in 2018 C&R Construction was acquired by Craig Furse, with Will Dodd joining in 2019 as co-owner. Together, they have driven the business forward, further expanding its reputation for delivering durable, purpose-built steel-framed structures for both agricultural and commercial clients.
Today, we pride ourselves on offering a complete, flexible service. All of our buildings are made to order and can be supplied as kits or delivered as part of a fully managed project — from initial design and planning applications through to groundworks, fabrication, erection, and internal fit-outs. Every building is designed, drawn, and fabricated in our own workshop, ensuring full control over quality at every stage.
We understand that no two projects are the same, which is why we offer a free on-site consultation, working closely with our clients to understand their needs and develop the best possible solution without compromise.
