The Norsewear apparel factory was Norsewood’s most prominent business and the brand was known throughout New Zealand. The factory opened in the town in 1969 and Norsewear garments were manufactured there until 2007, when the business was sold and production moved to China. The factory was purchased by the locally owned Kiwi Sock Company Ltd, which employed some Norsewear staff and continued the town's sock-making legacy.