Two major earthquakes in Japan since April 18 have resulted in a possible shaky delivery of automotive parts to four General Motors assembly plants in the United States. As a result, the automaker has announced a two-week suspension of operations at the Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kan., and three other assembly sites in the U.S. and Canada.
The suspension of operations at Fairfax began today and will continue through May 8, according to the GM news release, which was confirmed by calls to the automated employee hotline earlier today. Some maintenance functions will be restored on May 2.
Security services for the plant remain uninterrupted, however, a call to security officers on duty was unable to connect to a plant official for additional comment.
The Fairfax Assembly Plant employs approximately 4,500 people in three shifts, manufacturing the Chevrolet Malibu and Buck Lacrosse. Employees are represented by United Auto Workers Local 31. Attempts were not successful to reach union officials for comment and questions regarding compensation during the two-week interruption. The Fairfax payroll is one of the largest in the area and the effect on the local economy is undetermined at this time.
Reached for comment earlier today, Joanne Krell of GM Communications said that wage matters were covered under the national labor agreement between GM and the UAW.
The other three cities affected by the GM decision to interrupt assembly are Spring Hill, Tenn.; Lordstown, Ohio; and the Oshawa Flex Assembly in Canada.
Approximately two weeks ago GM announced that Fairfax will receive a $245 million investment to manufacture a new SUV when production of the Lacrosse ends this spring. Speculation in the industry is the new SUV will carry GM’s Cadillac brand.