Production at Norton halted BDO claim ‘significant interest’ factory
Reports are coming in that vehicles have been removed from the premises and concrete blocks erected at the main gate although staff are still employed
BDO, the company overseeing the administration of Norton Motorcycles, has claimed there is significant interest in the historic British brand, and they are hopeful that a sale of the firm can be secured.
The news from BDO comes after reports that the Donington Hall factory has officially been closed down this weekend, with vehicles removed from the site and concrete blocks placed at the entrance to prevent access.
It’s reported that some of the vehicles removed from the site included “four or five Aston Martins and a couple of Range Rovers” which are claimed to have been used by Norton CEO, Stuart Garner. These have been taken away as they are considered assets of the business.
Some good news from customers and staff of the firm comes in the form of reports that the team of workers at the factory are still employed, building bikes and being paid. With news coming in that even until a few days ago Garner himself was working with the administrators until just a few days ago.
With the team at the factory still employed and not made redundant, BDO must be feeling fairly confident of finding a buyer for the Leicester-based firm.
The Leicester Mercury reports that one insider at the factory said: “The factory is closed. They have put concrete bollards at all the entrances and exits.
“There is 24 hour security on all the gates and they are definitely not manufacturing at the moment.
“I presume they will be keeping the staff employed until they know what’s going on.
“It’s very serious what has happened to the business, and now MPs are getting involved and red faces are starting to appear.”
In a new statement Lee Causer, BDO business restructuring partner, said: “As joint administrators, we are taking all necessary steps to ensure that customers, staff and suppliers are supported through the administration process, as we seek the sale of the business and assets.
“We have had a significant volume of interest and are hopeful that a sale of Norton Motorcycles (UK) Ltd can be secured.”
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
