NS exec to meet with manufacturers in China

Robert Martinez, Norfolk Southern Corp's. vice president of business development and real estate, will be in China this week to meet with business leaders who are considering locating their manufacturing plants in the United States, NS announced yesterday.

Martinez plans to meet with a range of Chinese companies, including manufacturers of automobiles, tires, chemicals, tissue and metals.

"Norfolk Southern will work as a trusted economic partner to help Chinese companies find the best location for their businesses," Martinez said in a press release.

NS provides free and confidential plant location services, including industrial park planning, preliminary site engineering and layout, track design, and logistics assistance.

The Class I has helped more than 1,000 companies develop new rail-served sites or expand existing ones. Last year, NS helped 93 industries locate or expand their businesses along its rail lines, representing a $4.2 billion investment by customers.