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Defender for me is a metaphor for life... it creates a gateway to adventure.

Arkoniks’ adventurous and intrepid founder Andy Hayes has instilled the mantra ‘we are excellence’ into every employee since the company’s humble beginnings.

“Arkonik was started on my driveway in 2006 with one vehicle. Previously, I’d had a motorcycle accident that had laid me up for two months, and for the first time in my life, I was physically forced to rest. When I left the hospital my wife bought me an old Defender 110 to give me something to do. I still own that vehicle today.

I circumnavigated Europe for a few months in that old V8. It took me from the UK to Scandinavia through Poland and to Ukraine through Moldova, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, France, Spain and back to England. When I bought and modified another Defender and then subsequently sold it effortlessly, the seed of Arkonik was sown.

For me, the glory of an Arkonik Defender is the kinetic ability built into it. Whether you unleash its abilities once a year or every day, it is what’s so utterly compelling about them.

 

Arkonik

Timeline

Andy Hayes' first Defender

2006

  • Andy Hayes purchased a 1984 V8 Defender 110 in Stratos Blue and spent the next three months restoring it on his own driveway.
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2007

  • Founded Land Rovers UK Ltd.
  • Rented first 2,000 sq.ft unit space in Midsomer Norton.
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2010

  • Moved into current premises at Lakeside Park (40,000 sq.ft). Around 100 Defenders on site at any one time. Selling around 50 per month into domestic UK and African markets.
Arkonik D90 soft-top driving in America Arkonik D110 single cab pick-up in USA Arkonik D90 delivered by road freight

2012

  • Global downturn meant our UK and European sales started to decline whilst USA inquiry increased swiftly. Due principally to the Defender marque becoming 25 years old (and therefore exportable to the States). America wanted restorations but also personalization. The business grew rapidly.
Arkonik chassis build Arkonik paint shop preparation Arkonik engine installation Arkonik assembly

2013

  • Refocused the business from retail to production. This included developing relationships with US customs and shipping companies, such as Foreign Automotive Preparation Service (FAPS inc.). As well as collaborating with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), US Department of Transportation (DOT) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Arkonik wheel cover in USA Arkon X 90

2016

  • Changed company name to Arkonik Ltd.
  • Further development of the site to facilitate rapid expansion.
  • Land Rover ends production of the seminal Defender after 67 years.
  • Arkonik appoints a dedicated US Sales Representative for client handovers.
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2017

  • To celebrate ten years in business the Arkonik Team curate a limited edition DECADE Defender 110 with a unique specification including; FOX suspension, Ruskin trimmed Recaro sports seats and custom Santorini Black paintwork with a gold fleck.
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2018

  • Continuous R&D leads to fabricating our own panels and electrical components.
  • Another milestone reached: 200 Arkonik Defenders restored and reimagined for American and Canadian markets.
  • Continued growth sees an all-time record number of staff members.
Arkonik storage facility story2019-01.jpg

2019

  • Two new bespoke facilities created to expand our Engine & Transmission clean room and for additional storage.
  • Arkonik predicts its highest turnover to date.
UJO at Autosport International, NEC UJO – LS3 6.2L engine UJO – tweed and leather upholstery

2020

  • Project 'UJO' unveiled to the public at the NEC Autosport Show in January – a revolutionary RHD 'restomod' build with an LS3 6.2L engine and 6-speed automatic transmission inspired by our Founder's original 1984 110 CSW.
  • 'Back to the Future' – we reopen the order books for the domestic UK market.
  • Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) – a new USA facility opens in Charleston, South Carolina for the fitment of our SVO upgrades. 
  • Project Conduit (EV) – The next chapter for Arkonik is upon us and it is THE biggest evolution of our brand to date…we're going Electric!

2021

  • SVO facility grows to facilitate client handovers.
  • The A:team doubles in size since 2016 and reaches an all-time high of 80.
  • New range of merchandise launching in Spring.

2022

  • Added Range Rover Classics to our product line-up.
  • Entered a CarWow drag race with an LS-powered Defender 90.
  • Ben Collins drove our Defenders on both sides of the Atlantic.
  • Collaborated with Scout Boats in Charleston, SC.
2006
2007
2010
2012
2013
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022

Our build process

Now you know our story, click on the link below to find out exactly how we deliver unsurpassed classic Defenders to our discerning clients.