Rivian to add 550 jobs with $827M incentive package from Illinois

NORMAL, Ill. (WIFR/WEEK) – Illinois leaders and Rivian Automotive announce a major plan to expand the electric vehicle company’s manufacturing plant in Normal.

Rivian says as part of a $1.5 billion investment into its Normal facility, it will shift its focus to the R2 SUV model and create 550 full-time jobs over the next five years. The state of Illinois is helping with that investment through an $827 million 30-year incentive package.

With the incentive package, Rivian says it will be able to produce 215,000 units per year and offer more EV choices to customers. The company says it chose Normal, Illinois, for its expansion with the state’s support and strong workforce, infrastructure and access to suppliers. New workers are estimated to receive a minimum salary of $51,174, a 20% increase in the average wage of a similar job in McLean County.

“Normal is excited for the continued growth of Rivian in our community,” said Normal Mayor Chris Koos. “We appreciate the state of Illinois’ support of their plans which enhance our community’s economic landscape. We look forward to a bright future based on innovation and collaboration.”

The majority of the state funding comes from Reimagining Energy and Vehicles or REV tax credits with a focus on workforce development. The incentive agreement specifies the retention of at least 6,000 jobs throughout the entirety of the agreement period.

“We are taking a tremendous step forward – for our electric vehicle ecosystem, for our economy, and for our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This partnership brings significant investment in the Illinois workforce – including another manufacturing training academy, a dual credit apprenticeship program for high school students, and further support through the Employer Training Investment Program.”

Rivian will also receive $75 million in Invest in Illinois funding, pending an executed agreement. The Invest in Illinois fund is designed to make Illinois more attractive to companies in competitive sectors like clean energy.

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