Ready or not, here Rivian comes! The nascent EV maker revealed plans Thursday to build a $5 billion plant in just outside of Atlanta, less than three months after its first production-ready vehicle rolled off its assembly line in Illinois.
Rivian’s first production R1T battery-electric pickup rolled off the line three months ago, now its building a $5 billion second plant.
The company expects to employ 7,500 people when it’s running at full speed. Slated to open in 2024, the facility will eventually build 400,000 vehicles annually. Currently, Rivian is only producing its R1T all-electric pickup truck. The R1S, its sport-utility vehicle, will begin production shortly. Rivian is also contracted to build 100,000 electric delivery vans for Amazon, its largest investor.
“We’re happy to partner with Georgia on our new manufacturing site, which will build our next generation of products that are important for scaling our business,” said Rivian Chief People Officer Helen Russell in a statement.
“Our work together is driven by a compelling purpose and rooted in building a highly collaborative environment that creates a true sense of belonging. We’re excited for Georgians to bring their creativity and ideas to Rivian. We’re confident that, alongside Illinois, Georgia is the place for Rivian to continue to scale and thrive.”
Massive project
The plant is the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history. It will be located on a nearly 2,000-acre parcel of property known as the East Atlanta Megasite as it encompasses parts of four counties.
Rivian officials haven’t discussed what type of vehicle the new plant will build once it begins production in 2024.
Construction is set to begin next summer with production starting in 2024. No word was given about what vehicles the new plant will build, but the State of Georgia did describe it as a “carbon-conscious campus.” The site sits along the I-20 corridor, allowing it easy access to a variety of transport, particularly interstate highways and railways and a direct line to the Port of Savannah.
“We are so proud that Georgia will now be home to Rivian’s largest manufacturing facility,” said Governor Brian Kemp in a release. “This single investment — the largest in state history — represents the future of automotive manufacturing and establishes the leading role the Peach State will play in this booming industry for generations to come.
“In addition to Georgia’s long-term focus on logistics, talent, workforce, and responsive government that significantly contributed to today’s pivotal announcement, my administration’s more recent emphasis on innovation and development in the electric mobility ecosystem has equipped our state with a new tool in the tool box to deliver big wins for hardworking Georgians.”
Keyword: Rivian Building $5 Billion Plant in Georgia