Norfolk Southern helps power new manufacturing investment in North Carolina

A major healthcare manufacturing investment is coming to North Carolina, and Norfolk Southern will help support its future growth through rail.

STERIS, a global provider of healthcare and life sciences products and services, is establishing a 600,000-square-foot Chemistries Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Lee County, North Carolina. The project represents more than $600 million in capital investment and will create at least 335 full-time jobs.

Norfolk Southern will provide rail service to the facility, helping STERIS build an efficient, scalable supply chain. The project reflects the collaboration among STERIS, the State of North Carolina, local economic development organizations, and Norfolk Southern to bring new investment to the region.

Building smarter supply chains

As manufacturers invest in next-generation facilities, supply chain planning is becoming part of the conversation from the very beginning. By incorporating rail into its new Lee County operation, STERIS is building a transportation network designed to support long-term growth while moving high-volume production materials safely and efficiently.

For companies making significant manufacturing investments, rail offers a scalable solution that supports reliable operations, strengthens supply chain resilience, and helps reduce transportation-related emissions compared with long-haul trucking. By working alongside manufacturers early in the site selection and planning process, Norfolk Southern helps customers integrate rail into facilities from day one, creating infrastructure that can grow with their businesses.

What we're saying

“Rail will play an important role in supporting this facility's long-term success by providing a safe, efficient, and sustainable way to move the critical inputs that power its operations. As manufacturers continue to invest across the Southeast, we're seeing growing demand for supply chain solutions that can reliably connect production sites with key markets and suppliers. Norfolk Southern is proud to help companies like STERIS access those markets, strengthen their supply chains, and create new opportunities for economic growth. Congratulations to all the local, state, and private partners on this big win for the community.” — Craig Hudson, GVP Industrial Development, North Carolina

Supporting innovation through partnership

STERIS' investment reflects a forward-looking approach to manufacturing. Projects like this demonstrate how rail can be integrated into modern manufacturing from the beginning—not simply as a transportation option, but as part of a smarter, more resilient supply chain strategy.

By working alongside manufacturers, site selectors, and economic development partners, Norfolk Southern helps companies build facilities designed for long-term success while supporting investment, job creation, and economic growth across the communities it serves. Learn more here.