Norton has kept their new headquarters a secret for most of 2021.But now they javeofficially reveal the Norton facility on a full scale! Having returned to our roots in the West Midlands. Positioned to execute their ambitious production plans.
The new 73,000sq ft facility is complete with state-of-the-art equipment. And the capacity to manufacture up to 8000 motorcycles per year. And they are only just getting started.
The facility was built within just eighteen months of TVS ownership, signalling Norton’s clear commitment and investment.
With the creation of many highly-skilled jobs. They have over doubled the size and expanded leadership team with all departments housed under one roof.
They are proud to call it the most advanced facility in our 123-year history. Transforming how they work to produce truly remarkable and iconic motorcycles from the showroom to the production line.
They have carefully considered representing their vision for the future success of Norton.
THE NORTON SHOWROOM
NORTON MOTORCYCLES ANNOUNCE NEW HQ
More than just a building, headquarters embodies the essence of Norton.With the customer experience at the heart of it all.
Their showroom features Norton motorcycles under the spotlight surrounded by our heritage bikes and prints of racing icons and famous Norton fans on the walls.
Through a viewing window, you can look straight into our servicing area at the team at work. And on the righthand side, you can see across the production floor through their light inspection tunnel.
Across production, every specialist room in the factory is complete with viewing windows for total transparency. From the quality lab to the engine build room and through to fabrication.
The only thing not visible is the new global design and R&D hub.Where work on product definition, 3D CAD and visualisation for future models is ongoing.
HERITAGE IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF STORY
The headquarters unites their staff. And this develops a strong company culture consisting of passionate employees all driven by the same desire. To see beautiful Norton motorcycles on the road again.
What’s more, the team comes empowered to excel because of the processes set up in the factory itself. Complete part traceability comes captured upon delivery to the stores before critical components are examined.
With specialist equipment to monitor quality and adherence to specifications.In just six months alone, they have carried out a detailed inspection on over 7,500 individual components.
WE WILL NOT COMPROMISE ON QUALITY
Within the production area, TVS has invested significantly in modern equipment and tooling to improve the production processes for motorcycles. With every stage designed with quality and consistency in mind. In fabrication, frame tubes are inspected before they get polished, And then released to be welded in-house by our expert welders.
Finally, frames are then polished by hand to give them their complete finish and shine. Even more exciting, they now have their own in-house non-destructive and destructive testing laboratory. Where we carefully inspect and test our welding consistency and integrity.
HAND-WELDING TO PERFECTION
In terms of size and scale, we could store up to 20,000 Norton motorcycles. If staff aligns them wheel to wheel – that’s 26 miles of Norton.Which does mean, they have ample space to organise thelselves effectively.
They designed the layout to optimise sustainability and reduce waste. Creating a primarily open-plan production floor that gives substantial space for manufacturing and adding additional build stations if need to.
This flexibility allows built engines to feed directly from the engine cleanroom to the assembly line.Where frames, suspension, fuel tanks and bodywork are fitted.
At the end of its journey, every bike goes through a testing cycle on the rolling road. Followed by a final examination in the light tunnel.
And inspection area before being collected or delivered to the customer. All their bikes begin and end with a quality inspection, from parts to end-of-line completion.
COMPLETELY RE-ENGINEERED NEW NORTON V4SV
NORTON HQ BUILD TIME-LAPSE
The new headquarters arrives as the perfect platform for re-energising their business as they lead the Norton brand to success.
It demonstrates their unwavering commitment to the motorcycles they build.Signalling they will not compromise on quality.And Norton will continue to ensure they have high standards.
Norton is now fit for the future. Creating an innovative and sustainable business model which will see producing world-class motorcycles that are true to the unrivalled legacy of Norton.
NORTON MOTORCYCLES CEO, DR. ROBERT HENTSCHEL
via Norton
