Rivian to build $120M supplier park to offset tariffs and increase R2 production

[savethemanual]

Amongst the back and forth whiplash with tariff policy, looks like Rivian has committed to this. Positive update indeed.

https://www.ocregister.com/2025/05/...inois-ties-with-120-million-ev-supplier-park/

Irvine-based Rivian Automotive is investing $120 million in a new supplier park in Illinois, another win for Governor JB Pritzker after the company announced a $1.5 billion plan to expand its plant in the state.​

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The 1.2 million-square-foot park in Normal will allow the electric-vehicle maker to increase production at its plant in 2026, when it starts building its R2 model, said Chief Executive Officer RJ Scaringe. The park, which will create almost 100 direct jobs, will be used to co-locate companies that produce parts for Rivian.​

​

Pritzker is trying to promote Illinois as hub for new technologies including quantum computing, batteries and EVs. Rivian last year paused plans on a new Georgia facility, shifting planned production of its upcoming R2 vehicle to Illinois, a move the company said it would get the SUV to market faster and save more than $2.25 billion.​

​

The announcement comes as domestic manufacturers have been trying to bolster their supply chains as President Donald Trump’s trade policy has left many unsure of how to source raw materials and production equipment. That includes Rivian, which quietly began stockpiling electric vehicle batteries from Asia ahead of the tariffs, Bloomberg reported last week.​

​

Pritzker, the billionaire two-term Democratic governor who is one of Trump’s most vocal critics, said the investment is about creating a broader electric vehicle ecosystem in Illinois and that the company’s investment will “attract suppliers from across the globe to invest in Illinois.”​

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Rivian will get $16 million in state incentives for the supplier park, which includes a $5 million tax benefit over 20 years, as well as a capital grant.​

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The company, which also plans to eventually produce R2 and a future vehicle called R3 in Georgia, won approval for a $6.6 billion loan from the Department of Energy to support construction of the facility earlier this year, just as President Joe Biden was leaving office.​

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[DuoRivian]

This makes sense and there is plenty of land around them. I always thought they should have some key supplier right by them like other auto companies do.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

This will provide some stability and insulation from tariffs. Plus, it's easier to just walk "next door" to keep an eye on supply and suppliers.

 

[captainjp]

“Why are they spending money on this? They should be opening a service center across the street from me and not charging me for DCFC and fixing my panel gaps!! ”

 

[iansriv]

“Why are they spending money on this? They should be opening a service center across the street from me and not charging me for DCFC and fixing my panel gaps!! ”

The original SC was 10 minutes from my condo. They are now opening up another one 10 minutes from my house. So, wishes do come true!

 

[captainjp]

The original SC was 10 minutes from my condo. They are now opening up another one 10 minutes from my house. So, wishes do come true!

Woot woot!

 

[Riviot]

I will not be visiting the Rivian Supplier Park unless they have at least 1 roller coaster and/or gyro stand.

I hear Six Flags is having a fire sale, might be able to pick up roller coaster supplies on the cheap!

 

[malditofman]

Amongst the back and forth whiplash with tariff policy, looks like Rivian has committed to this. Positive update indeed.

https://www.ocregister.com/2025/05/...inois-ties-with-120-million-ev-supplier-park/

Irvine-based Rivian Automotive is investing $120 million in a new supplier park in Illinois, another win for Governor JB Pritzker after the company announced a $1.5 billion plan to expand its plant in the state.​

​

The 1.2 million-square-foot park in Normal will allow the electric-vehicle maker to increase production at its plant in 2026, when it starts building its R2 model, said Chief Executive Officer RJ Scaringe. The park, which will create almost 100 direct jobs, will be used to co-locate companies that produce parts for Rivian.​

​

Pritzker is trying to promote Illinois as hub for new technologies including quantum computing, batteries and EVs. Rivian last year paused plans on a new Georgia facility, shifting planned production of its upcoming R2 vehicle to Illinois, a move the company said it would get the SUV to market faster and save more than $2.25 billion.​

​

The announcement comes as domestic manufacturers have been trying to bolster their supply chains as President Donald Trump’s trade policy has left many unsure of how to source raw materials and production equipment. That includes Rivian, which quietly began stockpiling electric vehicle batteries from Asia ahead of the tariffs, Bloomberg reported last week.​

​

Pritzker, the billionaire two-term Democratic governor who is one of Trump’s most vocal critics, said the investment is about creating a broader electric vehicle ecosystem in Illinois and that the company’s investment will “attract suppliers from across the globe to invest in Illinois.”​

​

Rivian will get $16 million in state incentives for the supplier park, which includes a $5 million tax benefit over 20 years, as well as a capital grant.​

​

The company, which also plans to eventually produce R2 and a future vehicle called R3 in Georgia, won approval for a $6.6 billion loan from the Department of Energy to support construction of the facility earlier this year, just as President Joe Biden was leaving office.​

Rivian management is consistently ahead of the curve. Great team. And having a governor with a traditional partnership mentality is a bonus. This project will benefit the entire state. Rivian is showing everyone how to do EVs right.

 

[savethemanual]

Rivian management is consistently ahead of the curve. Great team. And having a governor with a traditional partnership mentality is a bonus. This project will benefit the entire state. Rivian is showing everyone how to do EVs right.

Yes indeed! It's also been reported they made very large orders for battery packs before the tariffs kicked in, again anticipating what's ahead.

 

[DuoRivian]

Yes indeed! It's also been reported they made very large orders for battery packs before the tariffs kicked in, again anticipating what's ahead.

Good that they learnt from their earlier self inflicted supply shortage on motors late last year causing a go slow.

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