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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Grand Bahama
Freeport, Grand Bahama – Gathering together his staff for the annual mid-year review, CEO of the Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) Carl Rotkirch congratulated his team on a successful year so far. Highlighting the yard’s ever-improving safety record, the reduction of time lost on the job and the increase of safety vigilance, he noted that “Besides the work we knew about, we were all able to adjust to unexpected work – and we figured out how to get more ships on our docks, plus repair the largest cruise ship in the world, in less than 5 days!”
Rotkirch celebrated that the yard had been full in January, February, and April, with over 50 ships repaired thus far in 2014. They had a good safety record as well. Over 100 apprentices are working and learning at the yard, and this summer they will take on twenty summer apprentices from local Government programs. He also advised that the management team has been in development training courses and there had been a few organisational changes. “But best of all, clients have been extremely happy!” Joining Rotkich during the presentation to the over 250 staff on the day-shift team was Reuben Byrd, Chief Operations Officer at GBS. Byrd took the opportunity to talk to the staff about their work ethic and reminded them that the success at the yard had come from their willingness to provide improved customer service. “You are the face of GB Shipyard,” said Byrd. “Everywhere you go and all you do here represents us and we all must strive to get to the next level.”
He noted the Shipyard’s success over the last five years, and what he felt was the amazing evolution of success, which had also created financial growth for the company. “But in order to grow more we need to increase our capacity and most importantly embrace new technology – and we can’t be afraid of it, as it will only make us better.” Byrd advised that the GB Shipyard board were looking to lengthen dock #2, finish the north beach and east beach areas. At the conclusion of the meeting all staff were invited for lunch on the company served by the management team. Everyone was also given a t-shirt from the successful completion of the huge crane barge DB Hercules, which was repaired last fall. “We’ve built a good team here,” said Richard Dorsett, Welding Foreman. “Over the last 10 years we’ve had some good changes and I am very pleased with my work here and what we are doing as a team to benefit everyone, and especially my fellow Bahamians.”
Prospects for the rest of year look strong as the yard has a steady flow of business for 2014. They hope to increase that work and anticipate that their recent success will make them the yard of choice worldwide. “We have shown the ship repair world that we can do it all,” said Rotkirch. “So I say, bring it on!”
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