Gov. Pritzker and Rivian Announce $1.5 Billion Investment in Normal Facility; Historic investment, supported by REV Illinois Incentive Package, will create more than 550 new full-time jobs

[May 03, 2024]  NORMAL- Today, Governor JB Pritzker, Rivian, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined local leaders and partners to announce a new Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) incentive package for Rivian’s new $1.5 billion investment in Central Illinois. The investment - which will create more than 550 full-time jobs within the next five years alone - will enable the company to produce its highly anticipated R2 model at its Normal, Illinois facility.

“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. Not only are we creating the jobs of the future, we are providing Illinoisans the skills they need to fill them.”

“We are grateful for this investment from the State of Illinois and for the leadership of Governor Pritzker, President Harmon, and Speaker Welch,” said RJ Scaringe, Rivian Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “The support from the state will allow us to quickly bring our midsize SUV, R2, to market and provide even greater consumer choice for EVs. Governor Pritzker has always been a strong advocate for providing economic opportunities for Illinois residents and business owners alike. We look forward to continuing our close partnership and building upon the success we have enjoyed.”

Rivian’s $1.5 billion investment in its Normal facility will expand the total capacity for the site to 215,000 units per year, with a focus on the R2 SUV, an affordable and family-friendly EV design. 550+ new, full-time jobs will be created over the next five years to support this manufacturing, all paid at least 120% of the average wage of similar job classifications in McLean County (the agreement estimates a minimum salary of $51,174). The company selected Normal for its historic expansion due to competitive incentives and state support for the project as well as Illinois’ strong workforce, superior infrastructure, and access to suppliers.

“Rivian had many options for its R2 production and its decision to expand in Illinois speaks volumes to the state’s workforce and the strong EV ecosystem Illinois is creating,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Rivian’s expansion cements our partnership and will bolster the state’s already strong supply chain and help attract and retain other industry heavy hitters while creating good-paying clean energy jobs for Illinoisans.”

Rivian’s total 30-year incentive package from the State of Illinois is valued at $827 million, with the majority of funding derived from REV tax credits with a focus on workforce development. Through REV, Rivian is eligible to receive tax benefits totaling nearly $634 million over the next three decades. The REV agreement specifies the retention of at least 6,000 jobs for the entirety of the agreement period. A link to the executed REV agreement can be found here.

As part of Illinois' commitment to build out comprehensive EV hubs and support Illinois' workforce, the State will also fund a second manufacturing training academy in Normal, co-located at the new facility to create a new dual-credit apprenticeship pilot program for high schools. Additional support includes a grant through the Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) as well as leveraging the State’s existing workforce networks and programs to train and prepare regional employees for new jobs.

Pending an executed agreement, Rivian will also receive Invest in Illinois funding in the amount of $75 million in capital funding to the company. The Fund was signed into law in early 2023 to make Illinois more attractive when vying for large projects in highly competitive sectors like clean energy. Once the agreement is executed it will be posted online.

Momentum in Illinois continues to grow after a banner year for economic development in the EV and clean energy sector, including Gotion's EV battery gigafactory in Manteno, as well as Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV) incentive agreements to Manner Polymers in Mt. Vernon, which is building a first-of-its kind solar-powered PVC compounding plant using clean energy generated on-site; Prysmian Group in Du Quoin, which has a $64 million expansion that will manufacture cables for the renewable energy and EV sectors; and Microlink Devices, which manufactures state-of-the-art solar cells and solar shields in Niles. Earlier this year, Wieland North America received REV to modernize its East Alton facility to increase production of critical components used in EVs, along with Lion Electric in Channahon, an all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicle manufacturer creating more than 1,200 new good-paying jobs for Illinoisans.

“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.”

“Bloomington stands ready to support Rivian’s meteoric growth both through our supplying of a first-class workforce and of a community with an unmatched quality of life for the hundreds of new employees to come,” said Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe. “Today's announcement along with what has been more than a half billion dollars in recent public and private investment in Bloomington outside of it should be seen as strong indicators of the company’s strength and of the continued emergence of the Bloomington Normal region as a hub for business attraction and expansion.”

“Illinois continues to establish itself as the leader in the electric vehicle revolution,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “Our ambitious clean energy goals provide a better future for our state, and they’re also creating thousands of good-paying jobs and attracting significant investments that grow our economy right now. I want to thank Governor Pritzker, my colleagues in the legislature, and countless advocates who have helped Illinois position itself as the best state in the nation for EV manufacturers.”

“This ongoing success story speaks to the strength of Illinois’ economy and workforce,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “It’s exactly the kind of investment we were looking for in creating these incentives.”

"Rivian's commitment to expanding its operations in Normal is a testament to the strength of our economy," said Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). "With the support of state incentives like the REV tax credits and the Invest in Illinois Fund, we're fostering an environment that attracts investment and creates jobs. This is a win-win for Rivian and the hardworking residents of Bloomington-Normal."

"The hundreds of sustainable, good-paying jobs that are coming to our community are just another example of the unique opportunities that emerging technologies can offer," said Rep. Sharon Chung (D-Bloomington). "Building a stronger Illinois is founded on lasting economic growth, and it's great to see more of that growth coming to Normal."