Grand Bahama Shipyard celebrates its team’s efforts! “Every month we have done better and better,” were the keys words spoken to the management and staff at the Grand Bahama Shipyard by Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch, Chairman and CEO of the yard. Addressing the staff at the annual employee Christmas lunch the CEO was pleased to announce that the yard has gone 205 days without incident and that safety and quality have been key to the success of the company this year. Speaking with the staff at the GB Shipyard canteen on Thursday, Rotkirch went over this year’s success and highlighted some key performances including the work by the entire team to improve the facility itself. Photo credit:Erik J. Russell

GB Shipyard staff listen to their annual review. Photo credit:Erik J. Russell

Speaking with the staff at the GB Shipyard canteen on Thursday, Rotkirch went over this year’s success and highlighted some key performances including the work by the entire team to improve the facility itself. Also speaking to the staff was Reuben Byrd, Senior Vice President of Operations. Byrd discussed the importance of customer satisfaction and service as the main factors to the company’s continued improvement.

Lunch by the bosses. Over 400 staff currently employed at the GB Shipyard lined up to be served lunch by their bosses. Photo credit:Erik J. Russell

He noted that he had received the biggest compliment recently. “Carl and I were with Shell Corporation a few nights ago and they told us ‘your staff act like they own the company, they take pride in what they are doing!’ We were thrilled to hear this and to you today I say congratulations on a job well done!”

Joe helps serve up some smiles! Well known Grand Bahamian Joe Darville who also serves as the Director of Technical Development at the Grand Bahama Shipyard proudly helped serve lunch to staff. Photo credit:Erik J. Russell

The annual luncheon traditionally begins with a review of the Shipyard’s accomplishments and goals for the next year. “We believe it’s a team effort to succeed here,” noted Rotkirch. “Everyone plays a part in our success and failure; we ask our staff for feedback and suggestions. Without their efforts we would not be where we are today – and today we are looking very good for 2012.”

CEO personally thanks his team! Grand Bahama Shipyard by Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch, Chairman and CEO shoock hands with all his staff as they lined up for the annual lunch at the yard last week. Photo credit:Erik J. Russell

Before management put on their aprons to start serving lunch for the over 400 staff on site, Rotkirch and Byrd took time to appeal to them to help their “Lend a Hand, Give a Can” program to help the Salvation Army feed those less fortunate this year. They also paid tribute to Joe Darville, one of the Grand Bahama Shipyard’s long-standing Directors who will retire in early 2012.

Grand Bahama Shipyard staff man the grills! Photo credit:Erik J. Russell

After the meeting lunch was served to all the staff by senior management as in-house chefs took to the barbeques. While standing in line for lunch Leroy Forbes, a 10-year veteran at the yard, said he was pleased with the day. “It’s good to get an update on how we are doing, and what we need to do to improve,” said Forbes. “I am very pleased to be working here. For those Bahamians who come here and work hard it’s a good company.” Forbes and his fellow employees also received an individual thanks and handshake from Rotkirch as he walked the lines talking to his staff.

Grand Bahama Shipyard is fresh off the success of two recent cruise ship refurbishments accomplished on time and with success. “We’ve been getting our house in order in 2011,” said Byrd, “and we are pleased to report that we have work commitments up to April 2012. With the reopening of the Mexican Gulf, and the increase in our cruise business we are hoping for a successful 2012. It’s up to our staff to maintain the push and help us become the world class facility we know we are.”