NORMAL, Ill. (WAND) – Gov. JB Pritzker joined Rivian and local leaders in Normal to highlight the company’s continued growth and Illinois’ expanding electric vehicle manufacturing industry. 

Rivian recently rolled out the first R2 vehicle from its Normal manufacturing facility, marking a major step in the company’s expansion. The midsize SUV is expected to play a key role in Rivian’s future production plans, with the Normal plant eventually capable of producing up to 155,000 R2 vehicles each year.

Pritzker said the milestone reflects years of state and local investment in workforce training, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.

“Illinois is proving when you invest in people, infrastructure, and innovation, companies choose to grow here,” Pritzker said.

Illinois has supported Rivian’s expansion through several major investments. In 2024, Rivian announced a $1.5 billion investment to build the R2 in Normal and create more than 550 full-time jobs. In 2025, the company announced a $120 million supplier park across from its manufacturing plant, adding nearly 100 direct jobs.

The Illinois Department of Transportation also provided an $11.5 million grant to build a tunnel under U.S. Route 150, connecting Rivian’s manufacturing plant with the supplier park. State officials said the project improves safety, reduces traffic disruptions and strengthens supply chain efficiency.

The supplier park is expected to create hundreds of additional jobs once fully operational. Automotive suppliers connected to the project include Adient, a global automotive seating company, and OPmobility, which provides sustainable mobility and electrification solutions.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded Heartland Community College a $5 million grant to support electric vehicle career pathways for local students. The program has engaged about 140 participants through apprenticeships, manufacturing training, credentials and dual-credit opportunities.

Heartland Community College is also helping support an EV manufacturing training academy, with future plans for an onsite academy at Rivian’s Normal facility.

Copyright 2026. WANDTV. All Rights Reserved.