In January 1968 a driven young engineer – Robin Murphy - created JB Murphy & Co Pty Ltd (the fore runner to Canstruct). After successfully constructing a number of bridges in Papua New Guinea (see photos), Robin incorporated the company Construct Pty Ltd, in Tasmania in 1971 and another company with the same name in Queensland a few years later.

In 1984 the company was purchased by the large international contractor, Christiani & Nielsen of Denmark (C&N). C&N undertook a number of prestigious projects including the Trawler Basin and Lock in Darwin NT, submarine pipelines in Queensland and NSW, numerous Railway Bridges in Queensland, tunnels and shafts and underground construction in Queensland, NSW and Victoria. Robin remained with the company (C&N) as its Managing Director and in 1987, Robin repurchased all the shares, the good will and reputation of the company that he helped build.  Dan Murphy joined the company in 1987 and quickly established himself as an effective and dynamic  Project Manager.

In 1991 the company changed its name to Canstruct Pty Ltd and has expanded its operations to incorporate a wide range of diverse interests.  Robin’s eldest son Adrian joined the company at this time.  Adrian is a qualified Engineer with an Honours Degree from the University of Queensland. The other son, Rory Murphy joined them in 2005 after 10 years in a major Sydney Law firm and has bought his specialist legal and financial skills to the company.

In late 2010 Rory was appointed as Group CEO for the Canstruct Group of Companies, whilst Adrian became CEO of Force 10 and Dan the CEO of Canstruct.  The three brothers enjoy an excellent relationship that is a testament to themselves and their father.  They have successfully expanded the business and now employ approximately 150 people on a full-time basis and many more on a contract and sub-contract basis.