Rivian Expands in Illinois with New Supplier Park and Job Growth

Rivian invests $120M in a new Illinois supplier park, bringing 100 direct jobs and hundreds more from suppliers, with completion set for 2026.

Rivian is expanding its presence in Central Illinois with the construction of a new supplier park adjacent to its existing plant in Normal. The company is investing approximately $120 million in the project, which is expected to be completed in 2026. More than just an infrastructure upgrade, the facility is set to become a key piece in Rivian’s broader manufacturing strategy—with tangible economic impact for the region.

According to Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe, the supplier park will be essential to ramping up production, especially as the company prepares to launch the R2 electric SUV. Alongside this, Rivian is also building a 1.1-million-square-foot expansion of its main manufacturing plant, readying it for 2026 production of the R2—an electric SUV targeting over 300 miles of range and 0–60 mph acceleration in under 3 seconds.

The 1.2-million-square-foot supplier park is designed to streamline logistics. Dozens of suppliers will be able to co-locate, with some performing light assembly on-site. Parts will be kitted and sequenced before being sent to the main plant via an underground tunnel, which is part of Rivian’s plans to boost efficiency while easing road congestion.

The State of Illinois is supporting the project with a generous incentives package. Under the REV Illinois program, Rivian is set to receive around $827 million in tax credits and infrastructure funding. The Town of Normal is also contributing by upgrading roadways and utility infrastructure necessary for the new park.

The new facility will create about 100 direct Rivian jobs, with several hundred more expected from suppliers and contractors moving in. Industry data shows production roles in the region typically pay between $18 and $25 per hour, while engineering and managerial positions offer annual salaries ranging from $90,000 to $180,000.

As production volumes grow and the R2 launch nears, Rivian’s focus on local supplier integration appears not only cost-effective but also strategically sound. Faster supply chains, improved quality control, and lower overhead are immediate benefits. If successful, Rivian’s model could become a template for other EV makers seeking tightly integrated manufacturing ecosystems.

Source: rivian.com