Gov. Nathan Deal: Norfolk Southern to move headquarters to Atlanta
Norfolk Southern’s move to Atlanta is expected to create 850 jobs and invest $575 million
From Staff Reports
ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal was joined by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Wednesday to announce that Norfolk Southern Corporation, one of the nation’s premier transportation companies, will locate its headquarters in Fulton County, creating 850 jobs and investing $575 million.
Officials said Norfolk Southern’s new campus will house the company’s headquarters, dispatch operations, operations and service support center, crew management center, corridor operations offices, national customer service center, administrative functions, marketing department and police communications center.
“As a major hub for both transportation and innovation, Georgia is a fitting home for Norfolk Southern’s new headquarters,” Deal said. “As the No. 1 state for business six years in a row, Georgia has become a preferred location for industry leaders like Norfolk Southern, as we have seen more than 30 locations or expansions by Fortune 500 companies in the better part of the last decade. Much of this success can be attributed to our expansive infrastructure network, our culture of collaboration and ready-to-work communities, all of which are essential in helping businesses move goods around the nation and to international markets as efficiently as possible.
“Today’s announcement will open many doors of opportunity for residents of the metro Atlanta area while also reinforcing Georgia’s distinction as the Southeast’s gateway to global commerce. We appreciate Norfolk Southern’s significant investment in Fulton County and look forward to celebrating the company’s future growth and continued success.”
Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of automotive products, coal and industrial products. Its subsidiary, Norfolk Southern Railway, operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and Washington, D.C.
In 2017, Norfolk Southern employed 4,710 Georgians.
“Norfolk Southern is excited to embark on a new future in the city of Atlanta,” James A. Squires, Norfolk Southern chairman, president and CEO, said. “This future depends on collaboration with customers, suppliers and partners — and ready access to technology, talent and our 22-state network. A unified office team in a new Atlanta headquarters will connect Norfolk Southern with every resource needed for success.”
Atlanta’s mayor also praised the announcement.
“We are proud that another Fortune 500 company will make Atlanta its home,” Bottoms said. “Norfolk Southern’s decision to expand its current Atlanta operations and relocate its headquarters here is a testament to Atlanta’s thriving business community and talented workforce. The approval of the Gulch redevelopment helped make this possible. We look forward to welcoming them to their new home in Midtown.”
Georgia Department of Economic Development Senior Project Manager Randall Toussaint represented the Global Commerce Division in partnership with Invest Atlanta, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Power to bring the development to reality.
“We are thrilled that Norfolk Southern selected metro Atlanta for their new headquarters,” Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, said. “As the #supplychaincity, Atlanta is a global leader in supply chain infrastructure, and Norfolk Southern is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Our region will be a perfect fit to support Norfolk Southern’s long-term growth plans.”
“As a city founded as the terminus of a railroad line, it means so much for Atlanta to have Norfolk Southern choose to locate their headquarters here,” Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, said. “The estimated $811 million economic impact the company will bring to our city will create and retain jobs, attract investment, and further strengthen our position as a top-tier transportation and logistics hub.”
“We are committed to maintaining Georgia’s title as the No. 1 place in the nation in which to do business, and a huge economic development win like Norfolk Southern is a testament to Governor Deal’s leadership,” GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson said. “Norfolk Southern has a long history in Georgia, and we are uniquely equipped to support their needs as they expand their footprint in Georgia. I am especially excited to welcome Norfolk Southern back to Georgia. Thank you to all the partners who made this possible.”
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