Manufacturer Rivian to establish a $120 million supplier park in Illinois, boosting support for R2 vehicle production.
Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, is making significant strides in its Normal, Illinois facility with the construction of a new supplier park. This expansion is part of Rivian's ongoing investments in the region, supported by $827 million in state incentives tied to the production of the R2 model.
The supplier park, spanning 1.2 million square feet, is being built across Highway 150 near Rivian's main plant. Rivian plans to build a tunnel connecting the new park directly to its production floor, aiming to streamline the supply chain and reduce logistics costs.
The park is expected to be operational by 2026, coinciding with the planned start of R2 SUV production at the Normal facility. The R2, designed to be a more affordable electric vehicle, is scheduled to begin deliveries in the first half of 2026.
The supplier park is set to create at least 100 direct Rivian jobs, with the potential for hundreds more as suppliers set up operations. The Town of Normal will provide a $3 million reimbursement for sewer work tied to the expansion, according to a press release from the office of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
In addition to the Illinois projects, Rivian is also advancing a separate $5 billion EV factory in Georgia. The Georgia plant, expected to create 7,500 jobs, will expand Rivian’s production capability, particularly for the R2 crossover outside Illinois.
Rivian's Normal facility is scaling toward an annual capacity of around 155,000 R2 units with additional shifts planned, increasing total Normal plant capacity to approximately 215,000 vehicles per year. The company emphasizes on-site supplier integration and cost absorption efficiencies by co-locating R1, R2, and electric delivery van production in Normal.
This timeline and investment roadmap reflect Rivian’s dual strategy to grow production capacity quickly in Illinois while establishing a major new manufacturing hub in Georgia within a few years.
Summary Table
| Project | Location | Timeline | Key Details | |-----------------------|----------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | R2 SUV Production | Normal, Illinois| Start deliveries in H1 2026 | New 1.1M sq. ft. assembly building; lower-cost EV model | | Supplier Park | Normal, Illinois| Expected operational by 2026 | $120M investment; 1.2M sq. ft.; supports R2 production | | Georgia EV Factory | Near Atlanta, GA| Break ground in 2026; production by 2028 | $5B investment; 7,500 jobs; expand R2 crossover production |
Rivian currently produces the R1T, R1S, and electric delivery vans at the Normal facility, employing approximately 8,000 people. The company is committed to creating a sustainable and efficient manufacturing ecosystem in both Illinois and Georgia.
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