Our History & Heritage

Incorporated in 1992, Tunnelcraft Limited was formed from the formerly known company named Axial Building Contractors Limited. “Axial” started life in a small office of Danny Riordan’s house in Ilford in 1977. Together with his partner, Johnny Johnson, we steadily grew from a small company engaged in general tunnelling contracts into taking on major infrastructure tunnelling works within the UK and the Home Counties. Known in the market as Johnson and Riordan, we forged a strong reputation in the tunnelling sector for our knowledge, safety, reliability, quality, and fair costs.

In 2003, Danny Riordan relinquished control of the day-to-day business but looked in-house for a new figurehead. Cormac Hicks, a well-known tunneller, was installed as the new Managing Director to take over the reins. Working closely in conjunction with Danny’s sons, Jim and John Riordan, we created further chapters of success for the organisation. Today, we are rightly respected within the industry and are seen as a “must go to” for tunnelling projects.

Our success is undoubtedly due in a large part to the main contractors for whom we work. A deep and conscious understanding of client needs is paramount in taking on such large infrastructure projects. We are proud to be associated with many well-known companies in this sector with whom we have forged long working relationships. Furthermore, our continued success can also be traced to the quality of employees we retain within the company. We place great emphasis on experience, knowledge, training, qualification, and nurturing youthful talent.