Recognizing the importance of manufacturing to NS’ success and our nation’s economic prosperity

By EVP and Chief Marketing Officer Ed Elkins

Did you know for every $1 spent in manufacturing, there is a total impact of $2.68 to the U.S. economy? Today is Manufacturing Day, giving us the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of this critical industry – both to our daily lives and to Norfolk Southern’s success. Last year, more than 27% of our total revenue and more than 14% of our total volume was tied to the manufacturing companies we serve, and of our top 200 customers, more than 90 are major manufacturers.

At NS, we are proud to support this valued customer base in safely transporting their goods to markets all over the world. I recently joined the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Board of Directors. I want to thank Alan Shaw for carving out a lane for NS on the NAM board. Building upon his good work, I look forward to representing our company and informing policy decisions that affect the competitiveness of our manufacturing clients. I will also be looking for ways to accelerate our customer service and business development goals.

Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank our team members at NS who work to support our manufacturers. From our Marketing team members who interface with customers, to our team members out on the ballast who keep our trains moving and goods flowing… together with our customers, we are powering our nation’s economy, and we all have an important job to do.

Each touchpoint between a customer and our company represents an opportunity to strengthen our relationships. Ultimately, when our customers are invested in us and believe in our ability to execute on their behalf, we have the ability to grow their business and ours.