By order or subpoena served on a railroad as a summons is served in a civil action in the court of common pleas, the public utilities commission may require, at such time and place within this state as it designates, the production of books, papers, or accounts relating to any matter which is the subject of complaint or investigation, kept by such railroad in any office or place outside of this state, or verified copies thereof, in order that an examination of such books, papers, or accounts may be made by the commission or under its direction. Such subpoena may issue to a sheriff of any county of this state.