1805 - The Institution for the benefit of the Indigent Blind in Norfolk was founded by Thomas Towell.

1805 - The first employee was hired, Wortley Green, on £1.00 per week Employment consisted of either Basket making,Spinning Flax or Braiding Sash-line.

1836 - Mat production started.

1838 - Stocking production started. A stall on Norwich market place was hired to sell the products produced.

1841 - New building erected for the manufacturing of Sacks at a coat of £250.00

1846 - Rug production started.

1855 - Fresh running water was installed.

1863 – Gas was installed at a cost of £6.00

1870 – Products manufactured listed as Baskets, mats, matting, rugs, sacks and envelopes for packing wine bottles. Stockings (worsted and cotton), Guernsey’s, socks, gloves, antimacassars of every descriptions and nets for fruit trees.

1886 – Typhoid fever strikes, all old buildings demolished and land cleansed.

1890 – New buildings opened at a cost of £5320.00.

1909 – Total sales for year recorded at £156.00

1915 – Shop opened on Magdalen street Norwich.

1931 – Basket making modernised.

1932 – Electricity installed.

1933 – Mat making Modernised.

1936 – Brush manufacturing started.

1939-1944 – Manufacturing of special airborne panniers, potato baskets and road scavenger brooms to help the war effort.April 1942 workshops hit during the Baedeker raids, one building totally destroyed another badly damaged.

1947 – Half day Strike, caused by in-sufficient food being provided.

1955 – New mat manufacturing workshop opened at a cost of £8000.00

1955 – Name changed to Norwich Industries for the Blind.

1970 – Knitting department closed. New department opened under the name New Sub-contract department (General Trades).

1971 – Take over of the Norwich Premier Wire Works, the Wire Shop was born.

1974 – Shop closed.

1979 – Norfolk County Council took over the workshop in 1980 and changed the title to Norfolk Industries for the Blind.  We were a small factory producing mats, wire work items and general trades including toiletries, paper collating services and packaging services.

1984 – The whole factory was re-located to our current address on Oak Street, Norwich. Company name was changed to Norfolk Industries for the Blind.

1992 – Action for Blind People took over management of factory for Norfolk County Council. Basket making closed.

1993 – Mat making was closed.

1996 – General Trades department became Pet Bedding department.

1996 – Started production of animal bedding for Petlife International.

2001 – Started production of animal bedding for Pettex

2002 – Started production of animal bedding for ASDA.

2009 – Bespoke machinery designed and built for the production of small animal bedding. First time in 204 years these new machines were purchased thorough self investment.

2009 – Started production of animal bedding for Armitages (including Pets at Home and Tesco).

2010 – Started production of animal bedding for QD stores.

2010 – Started production of animal bedding for Armitages (including Sainsbury and their own label).

2011 – Started production of animal bedding for you?

People with disabilities, particularly sight impairments, have always been employed in all areas of the business.  Norfolk Industries’ ultimate remit is to provide ‘meaningful work’ for disadvantaged people in the local community.

Norfolk Industries is part of the Adult Social Services Department and is funded by Norfolk County Council with a non profit making budget.

We operate in the commercial market in order to supplement our budget and to provide work experience services for our employees in order to develop them towards unsupported employment.

The work Norfolk Industries produces is to a very high standard and we are fully compliant with ISO9001.  We do not commercially advertise that we are a sheltered workshop as in the past this has given rise to quality connotations with customers, as such we strive for high quality and hopefully our products speak for themselves

• The current product range includes –

       Viscose products such as multi coloured packs, value packs, individual colours, our own product Snooze.

       Shredded paper products such as 10kg bales, flakes for smaller animals, jay cloth products etc.

• The Wire Department manufactures a wide range of products including

        Storage Heater Guards – We are the largest producer of storage heater guards in the country and are the accredited suppliers for Dimplex, Creda, Unidare etc.

        Custom Made Guards – Light fitting guards, radiator guards, bulk head guards and any other guarding requirements which are not covered by our standard range, hand made to suit the customers specification or requirements. 

        Shop Fittings – Wall stands, rotary stands, counter top stands, dump bins, stacking baskets, risers, dividers and shelves.

        Golf Equipment – Bay dividers, golf ball baskets, bag stands, picker baskets and barrier hoops, mainly provided to golf wholesalers.

        Medical supplies – catheter bag stands, urinal bottle holders, chart holders, glove dispensers and wheelchair hangers.

       Rinsing baskets – meal trays, flight trays etc.

        Refrigeration shelves, fan guards, components, baskets, …….the list is endless!