General Motors invests $600 million in KCK Fairfax plant

The investment will include the construction of a new  450.000-square-foot paint shop,  which according to GM officials is truly state-of-the-art,  the best that GM has and second to none.

Construction will begin later this year and is expected to take two years to complete. Production will not be affected by the construction, keeping the plant’s three shifts of nearly 4,000 hourly and salaried employees on the job.

“We are really excited about this about this. I own a vehicle made right here in the Fairfax plant. I am proud of it,” said Mayor Joe Reardon.

Other dignitaries on hand were Gov. Sam Brownback, U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder, R-3rd Dist., Dan Akerson, the CEO of General Motors, and other officials from both United Auto Workers and Unified Government of Wyandotte County for this event.

According to GM information, among the upgrades:

•    Up to 20-percent smaller footprint, up to 50-percent less energy use per vehicle and reduced Volatile Organic Compound emissions

•    GM-patented Radiant Tub Ovens, designed to use 20 percent less natural gas and 40 percent less electricity

•    Thin Film Technology, which reduces water use and maintenance and eliminates hazardous chemicals from the waste stream

•    Hyper Throw E-COAT, which places more coating in cavities and recesses for optimal corrosion protection.

In the stamping facility, the upgraded AA3X press will replace the current middle press used to create some of the structural reinforcements for vehicle body frames, according to a news release. The upgraded press is expected to enhance quality and reduce waste through greater accuracy.