Automotive
Experienced by Kimatni Rawlins
Collaboration is key in all facets of business, as I witnessed recently at the groundbreaking for McLaren Automotive’s new, advanced Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) in Baltimore, MD. Since the US market is the most extensive consumer base for the ubiquitous supercars from Woking, England, it made perfect sense for the British automaker to increase capital investments here while expanding brand awareness and career opportunities.
The ceremony included national and local media, tacticians, and prominent figures such as Maryland Governor Wes Moore, McLaren Americas President Nicolas Brown, Kerry Doyle, Managing Director, Tradepoint Atlantic, Yojinde E. Paxton, Greater Baltimore Regional Director (representing Senator Angela D. Alsobrooks), and Congressman Johnny Olszewski, to name a few. The energy was high as everyone celebrated the excitement of the engaging undertaking. As a show of force, a pair of McLarens sat in the background next to two bulldozers, of which one bore the American flag. Congressman Olszewski even had a chance to sit in one of the vehicles while revving up the potent engine, which garnered cheers from the crowd.
“We are thrilled to welcome McLaren to the Great State of Maryland,” said Governor Wes Moore. “This new facility at Tradepoint Atlantic in the Port of Baltimore will turbocharge Maryland’s economic engine, and is a vivid example of how we can create new opportunities by uplifting international partnerships and attracting foreign investment.”
Located on a 4-acre site at Tradepoint Atlantic in the Port of Baltimore, the VPC—a state-of-the-art 50,000-square-foot auto and accessorizing hub—is slated for completion in the third or fourth quarter of 2026. It will be outfitted with the latest innovations and quality control systems to process McLaren supercars. For example, customers’ PPF installations can take place at this location.
McLaren will dedicate $10.5 million to the VPC for the buildings and tooling, and hire highly skilled automotive technicians, paint, logistics, and management personnel. Furthermore, the establishment will generate ancillary economic benefits since demand for vehicle transportation to McLaren retailers across the US will increase. To outline the partnership, Governor Moore sat down with Nicolas Brown to discuss the economic outlook of the corresponding opportunities. Afterward, he jumped behind the wheel of a 750S to enjoy the epic power, aerodynamic excellence, and dynamic performance of McLaren supercars.
“McLaren, The Americas is committed to expanding our infrastructure and continued investment in the largest global market for our high-performance luxury supercars,” said Nicolas Brown, President, McLaren, The Americas. “As a manufacturer of high-tech, innovative vehicles, we are proud to be creating well-paid and highly trained technical jobs to ensure that our customers in the US receive the highest quality service for their new McLaren supercar.”
McLaren also discussed the desire to align with internship programs for auto-focused students attending colleges in the region. Due to my work with HBCUs such as Morgan State and Coppin State Universities, I can directly attest to the aptitude of enrollees. The project is a win for all parties involved, from the community to the automaker to the lawmakers.
In grandiose fashion, after the ceremony, special guests in attendance drove the McLaren 750S and Artura Spider on a closed course in celebration of the momentous achievement. Congratulations, McLaren Automotive and the City of Baltimore!
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