Leicestershire-based Norton Motorcycles has embarked on an expansion programme that will see a new factory extension and up to 100 new jobs created over the coming months.

The company is having considerable success with its newly launched V4 model, which has joined the existing range of the iconic Norton Commando and the Dominator.

The 200mph V4 is less traditional than previous Norton models, with an updated look, a 1,200cc engine and several technical advances.

The company which currently employs 120 people, wants to recruit designers, CAD engineers, purchasing professionals and production operators to work at its factory in the grounds of Donington Hall; it is also expanding its successful apprenticeship scheme.

A 12,000ft² extension to its existing 45,000ftsup>2 manufacturing facility will house a new production line.

Stuart Garner, chief executive and owner, said that skills are in short supply, but Norton likes to train and develop its own staff.

“All of our motorbikes are hand-built; the engines, wheels and sub-assemblies are also built in our factory, using 83% UK-sourced components.

“The environment here is very different to a mass-manufacture production line, so we like to think it is a great environment for people with the right enthusiasm and application.”

More than 80% of Norton’s production goes overseas, with growing demand for its bikes in the USA, Australia, Japan and elsewhere.

The company has also established a joint venture to build bikes in Pune, India.

This will allow it to sell machines into South East Asian markets without paying punishing import tariffs.

The Pune factory will be supplied with components and sub-assemblies from the Donington Hall facility.