1976

Gerald Land set up engineering company GK Land Engineering Co Ltd at Exeter Airport Business Park. The business supplied machined components as well as industrial finishing to electronics, lighting, audio and engineering products.

Early 1980's

Mark Land and Barry Woodward, who are now Chairman and Non-Executive Chairman, join after completing college. Far from the world of commercial vehicle accessories, the business see's a wide range of projects including most notably C5 prototypes.

1990

A quote for SWEB resulted in GK Land Engineering co Ltd receiving their very first van accessories order – ladder racks for the SWEB fleet.

Early 1990's

A company experiencing difficulties with vehicle break ins approached GK Land Engineering to design and manufacture rear window grilles/blanks to protect their vans. Safe to say the grilles were a great success!

1993

GK Land began developing a range of products for light commercial vehicles, including van roof racks, van roof bars, internal van racking and a Tool Store under the company name Van Guard. And so, Van Guard Accessories was born!

2000

After over 50 years in the business, Gerald Land retires and his son, Mark Land becomes Managing Director.

2008

Barry Woodward is appointed Managing Director.

2013

The ULTI Bar is born. Van Guard launch the ultimate van roof bar. Bringing to the market a stronger, quieter, more fuel-efficient roof bar.

2014

Van Guard has always taken pride in being a British manufacturer. In 2014 they made it official by becoming a member of the Made in Britain campaign.

2015

After the success of the ULTI Bar it was time to for Van Guard to upgrade their roof rack offering, the ULTI Rack was created to take over from its steel predecessor the MaxRack.

2017

Van Guard exhibited at their first Commercial Vehicle show in Birmingham and launch their first range of aluminium internal racking.

2019

After a busy few years launching new products Van Guard weren’t going to slow down any time soon. At this year’s CV Show they debuted their new van security products, including locks and shielding.

2021

The new ULTI Lock was brought to the market, making it the first lock to be Gold standard Sold Secure and Secured by Design

2022

Following on from the success of the ULTI Rack, it underwent a facelift and was rebranded as the ULTI Rack+. This product launch was accompanied by the launch of a new aluminium rear door ladder replacing the older steel model.

2022

Emlyn Harris became Managing Director, with Barry Woodward becoming Chairman and Mark Land becoming Non-Executive Chairman.