A MANUFACTURING 'cluster of excellence' in Dorset is about to get a lot bigger.

The Dorset Innovation Park Enterprise Zone in Wool has welcomed its first land purchase by a Dorset-based manufacturer.

Norco GRP, a leading developer of lightweight composite structures and mouldings currently based in Holton Heath, will join 23 other organisations at the Innovation Park, after purchasing a plot of land from Dorset Council at the site.

The company has now started construction of a brand-new 3,275m² production facility.

Mark Northey, Managing Director of Norco GRP, said: “The Dorset Innovation Park offered us the welcome opportunity to continue to grow our business in Dorset. The site is secure with perimeter fencing, security gatehouse and 24/7 access, which are requirements from our customers.

“In addition to the creation of skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs and multiple opportunities right across the supply chain, the project will also help raise the profile of Dorset and showcase the strategic nature of the county with its defence manufacturing links."

He confirmed that this move for the company would create 25 jobs from opening and 50 by the end of the year.

Matt Prosser, chief executive of Dorset Council, said: “It is fantastic for Dorset to have such a strong, home-grown company moving onto Dorset Innovation Park. It will create highly skilled jobs for our young people who will be able to stay in Dorset and thrive.”

Jim Stewart, chairman of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, which oversees the strategic development of the Enterprise Zone, said: “We are thrilled that Norco GRP has chosen Dorset Innovation Park to quickly establish and grow.

"Having such an innovative company expanding at Dorset Innovation Park is really meeting the strategic objectives of Dorset LEP to create an advanced engineering and manufacturing cluster of excellence at the Enterprise Zone”.

The development also marks the first use of the Local Development Order (LDO) developed for the Enterprise Zone. This simplified planning system, allowed Norco to obtain approval for the building within 28 days of application, significantly accelerating the timetable for the project.

Norco GRP will use Dorset businesses to enable the construction, including Lionel Gregory Architects and construction contractor Jade-Aden Services Ltd.

Currently, 651 people are based at Dorset Innovation Park, which includes companies in the marine, defence, energy and cyber security sectors.