Mills Manufacturing Technology to help re-establish Norton motorbike name

The technical partnership under development is significant and will be a cornerstone in the re-launch the Norton brand, not only in the UK but also throughout the rest of the world, it is claimed. Norton, a quintessential and famous British motorcycle brand, has ambitious business plans for the future. In 2009 it will not only be developing a works racing team but will also be launching a number of exclusive, Norton-branded road-going motorcycles too. Fundamental to Norton achieving these business objectives is its relationship with Mills that has been brokered between Norton’s owner and managing director Stuart Garner and Mills’ sales & marketing director, Dave Andrew. “Our aim here at Mills is to help Norton develop, refine and manufacture three new engines -1 x 588 cc twin rotary engine and 2-off parallel twin, crank and piston engines - ready for production at Norton’s new 15,000 sq ft facility at Donington Park during 2009,” said Mr Andrew. “To do this we will work closely, in the first instance, with UK precision engineering sub-contract companies that will become involved in Norton’s supply and value chains - we will of course be supplying them with the latest and most advanced Doosan CNC machine tools. Mills’ first-class technical back-up and applications services will also be made available to them. This is a hugely exciting initiative…one that I am delighted Mills is involved with right from the outset.” * Norton Racing Ltd After nearly 15 years of US ownership, the Norton brand is back in British hands following prolonged negotiations and a multi-million pound deal between Norton Motorcycles Inc and Norton Motorcycles UK Ltd. The deal has seen Stuart Garner, a UK-based businessman and owner of Norton Motorcycles UK Ltd, buy back all the trademarks and development work relating to the Norton, Manx, Atlas, Commando and Dominator brands. “This has been a challenging and exciting period for us,” said Mr Garner. “We are proud to have brought the brands back home and we now intend to focus on re-establishing Norton as a premier motorcycling brand across the World. “We intend to develop a strong presence on the track and on the road during 2009 and with our new 15,000 sq foot factory and office complex based at Donington Park – the Norton brand will be right at the heart of motorcycle racing once again.”