Rivian Automotive Inc. is making a significant investment in Illinois with plans to spend $120 million on a new supplier park. This project is a boost for Governor JB Pritzker, especially after Rivian announced a $1.5 billion plan to expand its manufacturing plant in the state.
The new supplier park, which will cover 1.2 million square feet in Normal, is set to help Rivian ramp up production as it prepares to launch its R2 model in 2026. According to CEO RJ Scaringe, the park will also create nearly 100 direct jobs and will host companies that supply parts for Rivian’s vehicles.
Governor Pritzker is working to position Illinois as a leader in new technologies, including electric vehicles, batteries, and quantum computing. Rivian has shifted its plans from a new facility in Georgia to Illinois, allowing the company to bring its R2 SUV to market more quickly while saving over $2.25 billion.
This announcement comes at a time when many domestic manufacturers are trying to strengthen their supply chains. Rivian has been proactive, stockpiling electric vehicle batteries from Asia in anticipation of trade tariffs.
Pritzker, a two-term Democratic governor, emphasized that this investment will help create a robust electric vehicle ecosystem in Illinois, attracting suppliers from around the world. Rivian will receive $16 million in state incentives for the supplier park, which includes a $5 million tax benefit spread over 20 years.
Earlier this year, Rivian secured a $6.6 billion loan from the Department of Energy to support the construction of its facility, just as President Joe Biden was leaving office. While the previous administration had threatened to revoke such loans, experts believe doing so would be challenging.
This investment by Rivian reflects its commitment to growing in Illinois while contributing to the state’s ambitions in the electric vehicle market.