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In 2002, Norfolk Southern Corp. attracted 93 companies and provided support that enabled 33 plants to expand along its lines, adding 91,000 carloads to the railroad's traffic ledger.


"New and expanding businesses on the network increased 16 percent over 2001, despite challenging economic conditions for our customers and communities," said Larry Collingwood, NS assistant vice president of industrial development, in a prepared statement.


General Motors Corp. and Mitsubishi expanded auto-assembly plants in Moraine, Ohio, and Normal, Ill., respectively, and Southeast Toyota Distributors opened an auto-processing and distribution facility in Jacksonville, Fla.


NS plans to begin serving other new auto plants later this year and in 2004, including facilities in Princeton, Ind., (Toyota); Vance, Ala., (Mercedes-Benz); and Lincoln, Ala., (Honda).


During the past 10 years, 1,143 companies have located or expanded plants on NS lines, investing $24.1 billion in facilities and creating more than 58,000 jobs.