Rivian Automotive announced it has received an 827 million dollars incentive package from the State of Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, which will allow the company to expand operations at its plant in Normal, IL.
The funds from the incentive package will go towards expansion of the plant, improvements in public infrastructure and job training programs for Rivian’s workforce, leading up to the company’s production of its midsized SUV, R2.
“We are grateful for this investment from the State of Illinois and for the leadership of Governor Pritzker, President Harmon, and Speaker Welch,” says RJ Scaringe, Rivian Founder and Chief Executive Officer.
“The support from the state will allow us to quickly bring our midsize SUV, R2, to market and provide even greater consumer choice for EVs,” he adds.
“Illinois is positioned to be a powerhouse in this market for years to come, bringing quality jobs and revitalizing communities across the state,” states Governor JB Pritzker.
“I want to thank our partners at Rivian, who have doubled down on their investment in Illinois. Together, we’re taking a tremendous step forward – for our electric vehicle ecosystem, for our economy, and for our state,” he adds.
The company announced in March that production of R2, the company’s much-anticipated midsize SUV, will begin production in the Normal, IL manufacturing facility.
This new vehicle will deliver a combination of performance, capability and utility in a five-seat package optimized for big adventures and everyday use. The platform will underpin R2 vehicles.
The existing plant in Normal will continue to produce R1S, R1T, and commercial electric delivery vehicles, and updates to the facility will begin in the coming months.
Rivian has invested more than two billion dollars in Normal.
In just three years, the automaker has also generated a value add of over 3.9 billion dollars to the local economy, which has brought increased development to the area.
Since production began in 2021, Rivian’s Normal facility has manufactured over 100,000 electric vehicles.
