New Cadillac SUV coming to Fairfax plant in KCK

General Motors has announced a $265 million investment in its Fairfax Assembly and Stamping Plant in Kansas City, Kansas, to build the first-ever Cadillac XT4 crossover SUV.

“The Fairfax team earned this investment because of their commitment to built-in quality and their focus on the customer,” said Gerald Johnson, vice president of GMNA Manufacturing and Labor Relations, in a news release. “We are excited to help bring the first-ever Cadillac XT4 to market.”

Of the company’s investment in the community, Kansas Gov. Jeff Coyler said, “GM’s commitment to producing vehicles in Kansas for more than 30 years continues to grow our economy and shows that we’re one of the best states to do business. Today’s investment of $265 million into the GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City furthers that commitment. This investment supports jobs and shows that our state’s skilled work force is strong. We are pleased with this announcement and that GM continues to invest in the great state of Kansas.”

“The Fairfax team is very proud about this new addition to our plant,” said William Kulhanek, plant manager. “We have been busy with preparations and are ready to launch the Cadillac XT4.”

“Our members are ready to build another world-class American vehicle,” said Dwayne Hawkins, UAW Local 31 shop chair. “It’s an honor to be entrusted with this responsibility.”

The Cadillac XT4 will be revealed officially prior to the New York Auto Show on March 27th at Cadillac House.

Fairfax Assembly and Stamping Plant employs nearly 2,235 people and manufactures the award-winning Chevrolet Malibu in Kansas City, Kansas.

Schools closed today

Some area schools have closed today because of the ice storm warning.

The Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools, Turner Public Schools, Piper Public Schools and Bonner Springs Public Schools are closed because of the weather today.

Kansas City Kansas Community College also has canceled school today, including day and evening classes and activities.

The Kansas City, Kansas, Public Libraries also are closed.

Several accidents reported

Several accidents have been reported on slick roads in the Kansas City area. One occurred around 6:21 a.m. Feb. 20 on I-435 near the Wolcott exit in Kansas City, Kansas. (KC Scout photo)
Another accident occurred on northbound I-435 near Leavenworth Road in Kansas City, Kansas at 7:13 p.m. (KC Scout photo)
Another collision was reported about 8 a.m. Feb. 20 near southbound I-435 and westbound I-70. (KC Scout photo)
An accident was reported about 8:05 a.m. Feb. 20 at northbound I-635 near K-5 in Kansas City, Kansas. (KC Scout photo)
A collision was reported at 8:22 a.m. on westbound I-670 near Central Avenue. (KC Scout photo)
A collision was reported about 8:51 a.m. on northbound I-635 near Kansas Avenue. (KC Scout photo)