itstargetnews
General Motors Chairman and CEO Mary Barra discusses the impact of auto tariffs and building the business on “The Claman Countdown.”
General Motors is investing tens of millions of dollars to raise wages and improve workers at a major Kansas manufacturing plant as it prepares for the launch of three major vehicles.
General Motors’ investment is directly supporting the careers of workers at the Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, which the automaker describes as “at the forefront of its latest manufacturing innovations.”
The automaker said the investment is expected to strengthen the facility as it prepares for the launch of three vehicles and underlines the company’s focus on investing in its workforce to strengthen American competitiveness.
The plant is currently producing the Chevrolet Bolt, an electric vehicle. Production of a gasoline-powered Chevrolet Equinox and a next-generation Buick compact SUV will begin soon.
GM ANNOUNCES UPCOMING RETURN OF CHEVY BOLT
Workers at General Motors’ Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas. (General Motors)
The company is investing in Fairfax because it believes long-term competitiveness depends on its workforce. As vehicle technology changes, especially with electric vehicles and more advanced manufacturing, having skilled and adaptable employees is considered as important as having modern equipment.
Inside GM’s $242 million push to rebuild America’s skilled workforce
| Ticker | security | last | change | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GM | GENERAL MOTORS CO. | 84.91 | -1.46 |
-1.69% |
The investment will specifically help employees learn new skills for more advanced roles so they can keep up with new vehicle technology. This includes training workers to operate electric and gas vehicles, as well as improving safety practices, product quality and readiness for new vehicle launches.
“Investing in people isn’t just about preparing for new vehicle production; it’s about giving our people the opportunity to build a future their families can be proud of,” said Michael Youngs, Fairfax plant manager.
A sign stands in front of the GM Fairfax assembly plant in Kansas City, Kansas, US, Wednesday, April 21, 2010. (ed zurga/bloomberg via Getty Images)
GET THE FOX BUSINESS ANYWHERE CLICK HERE
This investment is part of GM’s broader, long-term commitment to support current and future employees as the industry evolves.
Workers at the General Motors plant in Fairfax, Kansas. (Steve Fecht/General Motors via Getty Images)
The company has already invested $500 million in apprenticeships and US manufacturing improvement programs in the past five years alone.
It also trains approximately 2,500 employees a year in advanced manufacturing, electrification and emerging technologies at its Technical Learning University in Warren, Michigan.
It has also invested $66 million in higher education over the past five years to help thousands of employees earn various certificates and degrees.
