Page 41 - Port of Baltimore Magazine Sept/Oct 2012
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September/October 2012
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The Port of Baltimore
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increases,” Gorman said. “American Suzuki
has to place its factory orders well in
advance.”
Michio Suzuki started Suzuki Loom
Works in 1909 to make weaving machines;
in 1952 the company introduced the first
motorized bicycle. In 1953, it debuted its
first motorcycle, the 60cc Diamond Free,
and the next year the company changed
its name to Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd. In 1954,
it mass produced a car with front wheel
drive.
American buyers who choose a Suzuki
don’t realize that the car they’re admiring
in the showroom owes its mint condition
to a program they’ve probably never heard
of: QCHAT.
QCHAT, which stands for Quality Cargo
Handling Action Team, is a collaborative
initiative at the Port of Baltimore that
improves quality, prevents damage and
sets the standard for cargo handling.
“
QCHAT has been a blessing,” Gorman
said. “I became involved when it started
16
years ago, and it’s really evolved into a
fantastic program.” He praises QCHAT for
making it easier to identify and address
issues quickly.
Suzuki vehicles have been coming
through the Port since 1986.
“
They’re a great, longtime customer,”
said Lawrence Johnson, Maryland Port
Administration Trade Development, who
is responsible for autos. “They are a solid
tenant. They’re not the largest guy on the
block, but they’re just a good, backbone
customer to have here at Dundalk. You want
to have an automaker like Suzuki at the Port.
They support us and we support them.”
As American demand increases —
Gorman predicts a modest growth of 5
percent per year — the Port will continue
to play a behind-the-scenes role in uniting
a buyer with that new-car smell.
“
In 1986, a decision was made to import
the cars through the Port of Baltimore, and
we’ve been here and we’ve been happy
ever since,” Gorman said.
Contact Us:
US Customs Bonded Container Yard
Located in the Port Newark Area
“
Your Transportation Partner”
Steamship Lines Welcome
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