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American Manufacturers Gain New Ground by Rail
Oct 27, 2025
Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific’s newest domestic interline service is now shipping for anchor customers such as GE Appliances. This strategic rail connection opens a new gateway linking Kentucky’s strong manufacturing base to key domestic markets and global trade corridors via West and Southwest ports. With additional capacity available, the service is primed to support more customers looking to expand their reach.
“This new service underscores our commitment to helping American manufacturers expand and compete in new markets,” said Ed Elkins, Norfolk Southern executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “Kentucky is a pivotal production and distribution hub, and, if approved, a true coast-to-coast railroad stands to unlock even greater opportunities for growth and connectivity in the years ahead.”
Kentucky’s Manufacturing Momentum Has a New Track
Kentucky is a national leader in consumer goods manufacturing, electric vehicle battery production, automotive, air cargo, bourbon exports, and more. Louisville, in particular, offers direct access to major highways, rail lines, and inland ports, along with a deep pool of skilled labor. City, state, and regional business leaders have laid a strong foundation for sustained economic growth — and Norfolk Southern has matched those efforts over time with strategic investments in critical rail infrastructure.
“Louisville is the heart of American manufacturing and the intersection where location, innovation and logistics meet to ship goods and services to people across the country and around the world,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific’s investment to build a new domestic rail service between Louisville and key West Coast and Southern markets is proof that the future of business and manufacturing runs straight through our city.”
GE Appliances, a Haier company, is a cornerstone of Kentucky’s economy and a national model for advanced manufacturing. Its Appliance Park campus in Louisville includes five major manufacturing plants and serves as the company’s global headquarters. The site contributes $12.8 billion annually to Kentucky’s gross domestic product, supports more than 38,000 jobs, and generates $655 million in state and local taxes. Recent investments include a $490 million expansion to bring washer production back to the United States, featuring smart factory technologies like automation, robotics, and vertical integration. The expansion will create 800 new full-time jobs.
Norfolk Southern is a key transportation partner in Appliance Park – with our very own “Appliance Park” facility serving as the anchor for this rail service.
“The Norfolk Southern Appliance Park domestic intermodal ramp is a strategic gateway for GE Appliances, supporting our continued growth, as well as our newly announced $490 million home laundry investment in Louisville, Ky.,” said Adam Wiseman, senior director of logistics responsible for strategy, inventory & deployment at GE Appliances. “This service strengthens our ability to deliver innovation at scale and reach customers faster and more efficiently while also removing trucks from the highway.”
Service Built to Grow, Ready for More
The service will deliver scalable capacity and flexible solutions for customers across a range of industries — including automotive, consumer goods, food and beverage, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Backed by key channel partners and connected to Union Pacific’s expansive western footprint, shippers gain access to broader markets, truck-competitive transit times, and logistics expertise across the American rail network.
“Our customers want optionality and fast, reliable freight service that allows them to compete and expand into new markets. This new intermodal service gives them a critical transportation tool to win, providing reliable access to western and southern markets, while leveraging Union Pacific’s expanded Kansas City Intermodal Terminal in the Midwest,” said Kenny Rocker, executive vice president – Marketing and Sales at Union Pacific.
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