Rivian holds groundbreaking on long-planned Georgia plant

Rivian Automotive, Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony September 16 for a new planned factory in Social Circle, Georgia. Rivian announced initial plans to build the plant in 2021 and received a $6.6 billion loan to do so in 2024. Despite the ceremony’s timing, actual construction isn’t due to start until next year.

In a release, Rivian said the new plant will produce its R2 SUV and R3 crossover and create 7,500 jobs. Construction is expected to take place in two phases, the first in 2026-2028 and the second in 2028-2030: Rivian expects each phase to add 200,000 annual units of production for a final total of 400,000 cars and SUVs each year.

The September announcement follows news earlier this year that Rivian would build an electric vehicle supplier park in Normal, Illinois for $120 million. 

What people are saying

“We are cementing Rivian's future at our Georgia plant, helping ensure America maintains its technology leadership and excellence in automobile manufacturing,” said RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian. “Our Georgia facility will support our global expansion and provide the scale necessary to get millions of future drivers in our incredible all-electric vehicles, both in the United States and overseas.”  

“Today is another milestone in bringing quality, good-paying jobs to Georgians in this part of the state,” said Georgia governor Brian Kemp. “With today’s groundbreaking, this innovative company is further delivering on its commitment to the people of Georgia, and the thousands of hardworking Americans who will work at this facility will see generational benefits for their families.”

“Today we celebrated a milestone accomplishment for another historic economic development project here in our great state,” said Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Burns. “Rivian’s newest plant in Stanton Springs will not only create 2,000 construction jobs and 7,500 permanent jobs once complete, but will also lay the foundation for billions in long-term economic benefits across our state. I’m proud of the work the House and our state leaders have done to champion this partnership, and I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have on Georgia’s families and communities for generations to come.”

Jerry Silvio, Chairman of the Joint Development Authority of Jasper, Morgan, Newton & Walton Counties, said, “With Rivian here, our region continues to be a hub for innovation and high-tech manufacturing. When we see a Rivian vehicle drive down a Georgia road, we see more than a truck—it’s our community and a source of pride for everyone here."

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