One of Dorset’s most successful companies is expanding and recruiting in all areas after being awarded major contracts in global defence, aerospace and subsea markets.

Norco, which manufactures large composite structures and glass reinforced plastic (GRP) mouldings, expects to take on more than ten workers over the next few months.

The new recruits will bolster the company’s 170-strong workforce across several sites in Dorset.

Based on Poole’s Holton Heath Trading Estate, Norco has grown over the last 35 years from a GRP tank manufacturer to a service-oriented company, offering technical support to defence, aerospace and marine projects to build large composite structures.

The high-demand expertise has led to significant investment in the existing six facilities and employees.

Further ongoing growth is expected as an influx of additional contracts continues into 2023.

Norco’s five-year plan includes further development of its Winfrith site and also the specialist training programme for existing and new employees to support future demand.

Simon Mitchell, Production Manager, pictured, said: “I worked my way up to Production Manager throughout my 22 years with Norco.

“I started by gaining knowledge as a laminator of mouldings and processes and continued to progress to a supervisor and now a management position.

“Some of my favourite work has utilised the team’s expertise on specialist applications in renewables energy sectors.

“Testing a nine metre tidal turbine blade was a personal highlight!”

Steve Ross, Programme Manager,  said: “I joined Norco in 2014 on the shop floor as a laminator.

“With the wide variety of projects available, I was able to get involved with creating documents for some of the new projects being worked on.

“This enabled me to progress to a Manufacturing Engineer role and then onto production and programme management.

“I have been lucky enough to work on some fantastic projects from marine, automotive and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles).

“One of the key projects involved building a large carbon fibre flying wing with a 42 metre wingspan and only weighing 120kg.”

Mark Northey, Managing Director, pictured right, said: “We’re able to offer competitive rates of pay along with fantastic benefits and the opportunity for training and career advancement.

“The defence, aerospace and subsea sectors are in a strong position for the next ten years, which provides welcomed job security.

“Securing more skilled workers is now the key to maintaining growth.

“We believe that we should do this by investing in our local community, by training our staff, supporting local businesses and charities such as Julia’s House.”

• norco.co.uk