In a bold move to supercharge its electric vehicle (EV) production, Rivian is investing $120 million to build a supplier park near its Normal, Illinois plant, a project that promises to streamline operations, create jobs, and solidify the state’s role as an EV manufacturing hub. Announced on May 5, 2025, this 1.2 million-square-foot facility is already under construction and slated for completion in 2026, aligning with Rivian‘s ambitious plans to ramp up production of its R1, R2, and commercial vans.

Streamlining EV Production with Smart Logistics

The supplier park will house key Rivian suppliers, enabling on-site light assembly and manufacturing. This co-location slashes shipping, logistics, and warehousing costs, ensuring a steady flow of parts to the main plant. Rivian’s innovative approach includes an underground tunnel connecting the park to the factory, minimizing local traffic disruptions while speeding up part deliveries. “This will be a key enabler to increasing production at the plant in 2026,” said Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, highlighting the park’s role in scaling output for the R2 alongside the R1S, R1T, and commercial vans.

Rivian'S $120M Supplier Park In Illinois Signals Ev Production Boom By 2026

Job Creation and Economic Ripple Effects

The project is a win for Illinois’ economy, delivering several hundred supplier jobs and nearly 100 direct Rivian roles over the next two years. Supported by state incentives and tax credits, Rivian’s expansion underscores Illinois’ growing EV ecosystem. “In Illinois, we aren’t just making electric vehicles: we are creating an entire ecosystem,” said Governor JB Pritzker, emphasizing the state’s competitive edge in clean energy. The Town of Normal is also pitching in, funding road upgrades and utility infrastructure to support the park’s development.

Gearing Up for R2 and Beyond

Rivian’s Normal plant, already the production hub for the R1S SUV, R1T truck, Amazon Electric Delivery Van, and Rivian Commercial Van, is expanding by 1.1 million square feet to accommodate the R2, a more affordable EV set to debut in 2026. The supplier park dovetails with this growth, ensuring Rivian can meet rising demand while maintaining efficiency. For EV owners and fleet operators, this translates to faster delivery times and potentially lower costs, as Rivian strengthens its supply chain resilience in a competitive market.

EVXL’s Take

Rivian’s supplier park isn’t just a construction project—it’s a game-changer for American EV manufacturing. By bringing suppliers closer, Rivian is cutting costs and carbon footprints, a move that resonates with eco-conscious drivers and budget-minded fleet managers alike. The underground tunnel? That’s the kind of forward-thinking flair we love, keeping Normal’s roads clear while parts zip to the plant. For Illinois, this cements its status as an EV powerhouse, but the real win is for Rivian fans eagerly awaiting the R2. With production hurdles cleared, Rivian’s proving it’s not just building vehicles—it’s building the future of electric adventure.

Photos courtesy of Rivian