Supercar manufacturer McLaren Automotive recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new North American Parts Distribution and Vehicle Processing Center at the Port of Baltimore.
This project represents a significant investment in Maryland’s growing automotive and logistics industry, and underscores McLaren’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure, investment, and customer service in its largest global market.
The center will function as McLaren’s primary hub for receiving, processing, customizing, and distributing vehicles across North America. The Center will onboard new model arrivals, conduct vehicle inspections, and perform all required preparation before the cars are shipped to McLaren dealers.
“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.”
The new facility will support McLaren’s growing dealer network and customer base in the United States. By establishing operations at the Port of Baltimore, McLaren benefits from a central East Coast location, streamlined logistics, and access to one of the busiest automotive ports in the nation. The investment also represents a significant economic contribution to Maryland, creating technical jobs and strengthening the state’s position as a hub for international automotive operations.
The Port of Baltimore was chosen due to its advanced automotive handling capabilities, deepwater shipping infrastructure, and proximity to major East Coast transportation routes.
The Port is already a leading U.S. hub for imported cars, serving brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Jaguar/Land Rover. McLaren’s investment elevates the port’s role in luxury automotive logistics.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. and other dignitaries and McLaren dealers joined Nicholas Brown to highlight the milestone – the result of long-term planning and collaboration between government and industry.
Governor Moore also praised McLaren’s decision to open the facility in Baltimore, noting the benefits for both Maryland and the nation: “McLaren’s decision to expand at the Port of Baltimore is a powerful statement about Maryland’s position as a global leader in trade and logistics. This project means more jobs, more investment, and more opportunities for Marylanders.”
After the ceremony, media attendees had the opportunity to drive the several models from McLaren’s impressive supercar lineup. With yours truly standing 6’9” tall, I had never driven a McLaren. McLaren’s team and assembled media got a good laugh when I tried to get behind the wheel of the 750S.
I was later able to drive the convertible 750S Spider on an open lot a short distance from the groundbreaking site.
Wow! The acceleration and handling were mind-blowing – this from a car lover who owns two high-performance AMG Mercedes-Benz models. I know to look the other way at traffic lights if a McLaren is beside me!
Maryland’s Economic Impact
Within Maryland, the Port of Baltimore serves as a major economic engine. It directly generates about 15,000 jobs and supports an additional 140,000 jobs statewide through related industries such as trucking, warehousing, and logistics. These jobs contribute more than $3.3 billion in wages and salaries annually.
“The Port of Baltimore is one of Maryland’s greatest economic assets. It creates good-paying jobs, drives billions in revenue, and connects Maryland businesses to the global marketplace. As we look to the future, we will continue to invest in this port to ensure it remains a vital engine of opportunity for our state and the nation.” – Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
The Port also produces approximately $2.6 billion in business revenues each year, while contributing more than $400 million in state and local tax revenues. Baltimore’s leadership in handling autos and light trucks, construction and farm machinery, and sugar imports provides Maryland with a steady stream of trade-related income and enhances its standing as a logistics hub.
United States Economic Impact
Beyond Maryland, the Port of Baltimore plays a significant role in the national economy. Each year, it handles over 50 million tons of international cargo worth more than $80 billion. Baltimore is the top U.S. gateway for automotive imports and exports, making it essential to U.S. car manufacturers, dealers, and global supply chains.
The Port is also a major player in coal exports, supporting America’s energy trade, and its central Mid-Atlantic location gives it unique access to key markets such as Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York. By serving as a critical logistics hub, the Port supports hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide in shipping, trucking, rail, and retail distribution.
The new McLaren facility at the Port of Baltimore strengthens Maryland’s role as a premier automotive gateway, creates economic opportunities, and establishes a long-term commitment between McLaren and the region.
