Rivian completes Normal plant expansion ahead of schedule

NORMAL, Ill. – After just over a year of construction, Rivian has completed its expansion project at the company’s Normal manufacturing facility.

The expansion increases the plant’s total footprint to more than 8 million square feet and was completed several months ahead of schedule.

Tony Sanger, Rivian’s vice president of production facilities, called the early completion a major milestone for the company.

“Our intention was to be producing vehicles this spring,” Sanger said. “The fact that we were able to be rolling them off in January is pretty significant.”

Sanger also addressed how winter weather in Central Illinois factored into the construction timeline.

“It certainly had an impact,” Sanger said. “When you are building large buildings such as this, winter is always a factor.”

With the expansion complete, Rivian is now focusing on production of its new R2 model. Sanger described the vehicle as a more affordable option compared with the company’s R1 models.

“I was talking with one of our product engineers, and he gave me the best description ever,” Sanger said. “You get 80% of an R1 for half the cost.”

The R2 is expected to be available for sale within the next several months, with starting prices around $45,000.

“We are so excited and so proud,” Sanger said. “Those are the two emotions you see the most as you talk to Rivian employees.”