Normans are fantastic, they're made by Lasido in Canada, the same company that makes Seagull, Godin, and some other makes. I have a Seagull guitar that I'm in love with. I'd recommend that your friend contact Norman, they have a web site here
http://www.normanguitars.com/ and see what they can do. I don't know what kind of warrantee they offer, but it's worth asking about at least. Or for the paid repair send it off to them instead of using a local shop.
My sister has a Norman, what a great guitar.