James Norton was not a businessman; his strengths lay elsewhere. His company ran into trouble and was
forced into liquidation in 1913.
1908 Private company.
The company was bought by Bob Shelley, who owned R. T. Shelley,
an automotive accessories manufacturing business. Most people credit James
Norton with the success of the company but actually, without Bob Shelley,
there would probably not have been a Norton motorcycle company at all.
R. T. Shelley were already suppliers to Norton so the transfer of power
was made a little easier - however the relationship between Bob Shelley and James Norton was not a good one.
In 1916 the company moved to Phillips Street, Aston. Bill Mansell moved from R. T. Shelley to take over Norton management and under his
guidance the company was reformed in 1926, the new company name being Norton Motors (1926) Ltd.
1961 General engineers, manufacturing tools and components for automobiles and aero engines, also manufacturers of lifting jacks for
private and commercial vehicles. 400 employees.
