Joomla Login LightBox powered by WowJoomla.com

Additional jobs just across the river in Kansas City, Kan., are expected to affect the Northland economy.

Last month General Motors Co. announced it would restore 2,400 jobs to laid off employees by sending them to plants in Kansas, Indiana and Michigan, according to a press release.

The press release stated that GM will add a third shift at its Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kan., just across the river from the Northland.

Fairfax, which builds the recently launched Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura, will become the exclusive builder of the Malibu when the Orion, Mich., assembly plant ends production in November, according to the press release.

Many of those jobs restored will go to employees from other states who were laid off after their local plant closed or reduced staff.

Recently, some of the 300 employees laid off at a plant in Janesville, Wis., transferred to the Kansas City area, according to Bob Wheeler, communication manager for the GM Fairfax plant.

“The Northland is a primary place for people to locate,” said Sheila Tracy, president of the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a great opportunity for both the employees and the community.”

Tracy said the new residents with jobs will boost the local economy.

“We’re very excited about it,” Tracy said. “Something of that magnitude helps our business climate.”

Kearney Editor Kevin M. Smith can be reached at 628-6010 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed