Land Rover manufacturer opens on Clements Ferry

Arkonik Ltd., which builds custom Land Rover Defenders for American and Canadian clients, selected the Cainhoy peninsula for its first U.S. location and North American headquarters.

Rebecca Ford has been hired to run the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) unit in North America. Currently a director of global business development for the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, Ford will assume the Arkonik SVO managing director position effective July 1.

In January, Arkonik secured a lease on a facility at 2300 Clements Ferry Road, but COVID-19 complications delayed the opening. Now, with social distancing and safety protocols in place, renovations will begin immediately to accommodate a fully operational shop, and a customer design and delivery center. Arkonik SVO expects to hire five to 10 employees within the next five years, including mechanical and electrical technicians, and administrative support.

Based in the United Kingdom, Arkonik Ltd. specializes in the restoration and customization of Land Rover Defenders for customers all over the world. Arkonik SVO will serve as the company’s flagship operation for engine and transmission upgrades. An electric vehicle platform is planned for 2021.