Poole firm's plans to expand at Dorset Innovation Park could create 100 jobs
A hundred new jobs could be created following a multi-million-pound investment from Norco Ltd in Winfrith
Last updated 12th Aug 2025
A Dorset manufacturing firm is planning a major expansion at the Dorset Innovation Park in Winfrith that could create up to 100 new jobs.
Norco Ltd has submitted a multi-million-pound planning application to Dorset Council to more than double its current capacity at the former nuclear research site.
The proposal includes a new store to the north of the existing building, a large extension to the south and a 27-metre-tall “crane building” - almost twice the height recommended in the park’s design guide.
The company says the expansion will generate 40 jobs in the short term, with a further 60 in the medium to long term.
Around 30 staff are currently based at the Winfrith site, which sits within a secure area alongside other defence-focused businesses.
Norco Ltd, founded in 1985, manufactures lightweight composite structures and glass-reinforced plastic mouldings, supplying clients such as Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Siemens, Airbus, Sunseeker, the RNLI and several defence contractors.
Cllr Richard Biggs welcomed the plans: “Our new Economic Growth Strategy has a target for 300 new jobs at the Dorset Innovation Park by 2029, so we welcome planning applications from businesses already on the site who are looking to expand.”
The expansion would also more than double the size of the on-site car park to 256 spaces, with 20 new cycle bays.
Norco’s application argues the crane building is essential for its work and consistent with the scale of former research structures nearby.
If approved, the project would be a significant boost to the council’s ambition to attract and retain high-quality jobs in the county.