At Arkonik, we’ve always said that we’re nothing without our people. Our band of brothers and sisters who are the true backbone of the brand. Every Land Rover we touch is shaped not just by tools and materials, but by the passion, commitment, and expertise of the men and women who bring these iconic vehicles to life.
This week, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on our longest-serving team member: Craig, our Global Production Director.
Homegrown
Craig’s journey with us goes back 17 years — before Arkonik even bore the name. In the early days, we were known as LandRoversUK, a modest workshop serving the domestic market with a big vision.
For Craig, Land Rovers are more than just vehicles, they’re part of his DNA. From a young age, he was immersed in the world of off-road machines thanks to his dad, Stuart, a fellow enthusiast (and long-time Arkonik team member) who had his own tuned Landy pick-up (Big Red) and a garage full of adventurous toys, including off-road bikes.
Watching his dad tinker with engines and modify machines sparked something early on. Craig quickly took to the tools himself, and when a trainee opportunity opened at LandRoversUK aged just 19, he jumped at it. Fast forward to 2025, and he’s now an indispensable part of Arkonik, providing technical leadership, mentoring staff, and overseeing production and R&D both at our UK HQ and our North American division in Charleston, SC.
Cut me in half, and I say Land Rover down the middle.”
Meet the Machine
It’s only fitting that someone so rooted in the Arkonik ethos drives a machine that matches his passion. Craig’s personal build is a reflection of pure off-road intent:
- Chassis: SWB Defender 90 for extra agility
- Lift: 3” suspension lift with back-to-front uprated shocks for maximum travel
- Tires: Insa Turbo® Special Track MT 33” aggressive-tread for ultimate off-road grip
- Engine: A finely tuned 2.5L 200Tdi, with larger turbo and intercooler, ported and machined cylinder head, offering the low-end torque needed to tackle all-terrain
Built for local byways, green lanes, and the rugged terrain of Salisbury Plain, this Defender is unstoppable, just like its driver.
Favourite Build
When asked about his favourite Arkonik build, Craig doesn’t hesitate, it’s our UJO 110 recreation from 2020.
Created as a celebration of everything Arkonik stands for, UJO embodies authenticity and performance. It was also our first LS3-powered restomod in the UK, and Craig was at the heart of its research, development, and execution.
“One of my proudest moments was leading the recreation of UJO — the vehicle that started it all. Based on a 1984 County Station Wagon in Stratos Blue with a Chawton White roof, it marked our return to RHD domestic builds after a long hiatus.
Combining classic heritage styling with our UK-first LS3 engine and transmission brought plenty of challenges, but seeing it come together made it all incredibly rewarding.”
Feeling inspired?
Craig’s story is a testament to what Arkonik is truly about, passion, heritage, and hands-on craftsmanship. He’s helped shape who we are today, and with team members like him onboard, we’ll always be at the forefront of the industry. If you would like to start your Arkonik journey then click on the link below and start your own adventure.
