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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

The Beginning

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

Founded

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

Lakeside Park

  • 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

  • Sales in the UK and Europe began to decline, but inquiries from the USA quickly increased. This was largely due to the original Defender reaching 25 years old, making it eligible for export to the States. America wanted restorations, but also customization, and the business expanded rapidly.
Arkonik chassis build Arkonik paint shop preparation Arkonik engine installation Arkonik assembly

2013

Refocus

  • Changed the business from retail to production. This included developing relationships with US customs and shipping companies. 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

A new era

  • 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

Decade

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

Double century

  • 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

Expansion

  • Two new bespoke facilities created at our UK HQ 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

Restomod

  • 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 and client handovers.

2021

All-time high

  • 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

Collaboration

  • Entered a CarWow Drag race with an LS-powered Defender 90.
  • Ben Collins (ex topGear Stig) became an Arkonik Ambassador and drove our Defenders on both sides of the Atlantic, including the SEMA show.
  • Collaborated with Scout Boats in Charleston, SC.

2023

New home

  • Opened a new 22,500 sq.ft SVO facility in Charleston, SC.
  • Restored our first-ever North American Spec (NAS) ninety for Battery Tender® revealed at the SEMA® show.

2024

Evolution

  • Arkonik is the first in the industry to obtain a low-volume replica vehicle license. We are now fully licensed to manufacture replica Land Rover Defenders, first editions with EV power.
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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.