Norfolk, Va. – Norfolk Southern Corporation is investing $8.2 million to expand its corporate headquarters in Norfolk to accommodate 165 new employees, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced Thursday.
The expansion and new jobs are a result of the company consolidating its Norfolk and Atlanta offices and the closure of its Roanoke office building.
Employees in Norfolk Southern’s industrial products, coal marketing, sourcing, tax, treasury and audit and compliance departments relocated from Roanoke to Norfolk, bringing regional employment to 1,050..
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Norfolk to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $1.925 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Norfolk with the project.
“Norfolk Southern has called the City of Norfolk home since 1982 and has been a vibrant partner in economic development and community initiatives,” said Jim Squires, NS chairman, president and CEO. “We are excited about expanding our presence in the City and look forward to many years of continued growth and prosperity as we deliver freight across the state and throughout the country. We thank the Commonwealth and City of Norfolk for their tremendous support with this project.”
“Norfolk Southern is a vital corporate partner and economic engine for the Commonwealth, and retaining the company’s strong presence in Virginia is of utmost priority,” said McAuliffe. “We are pleased that Norfolk Southern will invest in its corporate headquarters in Norfolk and maintain its locomotive facilities in Roanoke. As a key customer of the Port of Virginia, we are confident that the company benefits from our best-in-class business environment, and we remain ready to facilitate their continued success here in Virginia any way we can.”
Norfolk Mayor Paul D. Fraim said “Norfolk Southern continues its long term relationship with Virginia and Norfolk by choosing to relocate 165 new jobs to our city,” said Mayor Paul D. Fraim. “Norfolk Southern is making a significant investment to grow its headquarters while providing competitive, well-paying job opportunities to our community.”
“This announcement of this new investment reinforces the momentum of Hampton Roads as we further grow and diversify our economy,” said Delegate Matthew James. “We commend and applaud all those involved.”
“The announcement by the Governor and Norfolk Southern on its $8.2 million investment in the Norfolk Corporate Headquarters furthers the strong ties between the City of Norfolk and Norfolk Southern that has grown through the years,” said Senator Lynwood Lewis. “The 165 new jobs this investment brings is very welcomed news in helping to create more economic growth and opportunity for the citizens of Norfolk and Hampton Roads.”
“The success of Virginia’s existing businesses is critical to the overall economic vitality of the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “Norfolk Southern is a significant employer in Virginia, and I am proud that all of the partners involved in this project worked tirelessly to achieve a mutually beneficial agreement. We look forward to a continued partnership with the company for years to come.”
