About Us
EXPERIENCE
SKILL
KNOWLEDGE
LR Defender SA (Pty) Ltd was established in 2018 by managing directors, Johan Vermaak and Uli Kruger. When Johan and Uli met, they found a common bond with a love for Land Rover Defenders. Their mutual love for the Land Rover Defender lifestyle spurred on the registration of LR Defender SA.
Together the two partners bring an impressive display of skill, knowledge and experience to these projects.
OUR TEAM
LR Defender SA (Pty) Ltd is run by managing directors, Johan Vermaak and Uli Kruger.
JOHAN VERMAAK
Johan’s daily responsibilities include the safe and efficient running of the mechanical workshop to ensure the progression of restoration projects. This includes the planning, coordinating and execution of projects, quality control, procurement of genuine approved Defender parts, setting standard operating procedures, identifying potential problems and instating corrective actions, routine maintenance of mechanical tools and the execution of the general daily workload in restoring these iconic Defenders.
Prior to establishing LR Defender SA, Johan worked as a licensed Maintenance Engineer for 36 years in the aviation industry, conducting upgrades to aircrafts, keeping records of and performing scheduled maintenance, making emergency repairs, and preparing for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspections.
Johan holds the following certificates and licenses:
- South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) license Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license
- Boeing 737 NG Maintenance/Avionics Factory Course Boeing 727 Maintenance/Avionics & Flight Engineers Course
- Other aircraft types includes: Alouette II & III series Helicopters; Mi 8 & 17 Helicopters; DC3 Dakota; C54 Skymaster; C47 TP Dakota
- Aircraft engines includes: Pratt & Whitney; Artouste; Rolls-Royce and CFM56-series
ULI KRUGER
Uli’s responsibilities include the procurement of approved Defender parts not generally available in South Africa, managing third-party vendors, registrations and procurement, financial planning, bookkeeping and tax returns, managing project budgets, procurement of dealer stock and registrations, South African Police Service (SAPS) clearance, Department of Trade and Industries (DTI) ITAC clearance, South African Revenue Service (SARS) clearance of project trucks and lastly, the export and shipping of our expertly restored Defenders.
LR DEFENDER IS PROUDLY AFFILIATED WITH
EXPLORATION
ADVENTURE
HERITAGE
We understand that a Defender is more than just a car; it’s a symbol of adventure, heritage, and rugged exploration. With a team of dedicated experts, we meticulously restore each chassis to ensure it not only meets but exceeds expectations in terms of performance, durability, and aesthetics. Every detail is considered, from the selection of high-quality materials to the restoration process itself, ensuring that your vehicle is equipped to take on the toughest terrains and the longest journeys.
