From the Curator: Inside the KC Leeds & Fairfax Assembly Plants

Have you ever wondered what goes into building a car? This month, KCAM is celebrating the local auto workers who have helped put Kansas City on the map.

Over 6 million Fisher Body, Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac cars rolled out of the Leeds facility in 59 years, spotlighting Kansas City as a major hub of (what became) the GM enterprise.

Leeds first gained major news attention in 1936, just seven years after opening its doors. Over 1,000 Fisher Body employees participated in an eight-day sit-down strike, growing into a three-month stand-off between employees and management. It concluded in the establishment of the United Auto Workers of America Union, Division #93, in February of 1937.

The Fairfax Assembly Plant also operated in Kansas City, building GM cars as early as 1945. While the Leeds Plant closed in 1988, Fairfax carries the torch today, still producing over 200,000 cars each year!

At the KC Auto Museum, we know that cars are special. It’s the local auto workers’ passion, drive, and community, however, that truly make the industry what it is. We are proud to have a collection of Leeds memorabilia on display this month that highlights the people behind some of our favorite cars.

Also on display is a behind-the-scenes look at the Fairfax Assembly Plant with a partially completed Chevrolet Bolt frame straight from the factory. This is a rare opportunity you won’t want to miss!

Next month: Join us in saluting our veterans with an exhibit full of military vehicles and memorabilia. All active duty and veterans will receive free admission to the museum as our way to say thank you.

Butch Papon
Curator, Kansas City Automotive Museum