Rivian EV Supplier Park Locates to Normal IL for American Built Future

Illinois’ Governor J.B. Pritzker and Rivian on Monday unveiled plans for a sprawling 1.2 million-square-foot supplier park in Normal, marking a new chapter in the state’s clean energy economy. The electric vehicle manufacturer will invest nearly $120 million in the facility, a project expected to create close to 100 direct jobs and lay the groundwork for hundreds more as suppliers move into the new park.

Construction is already underway on the site, located near Rivian’s primary manufacturing plant, and is slated for completion in 2026. The development aims to streamline Rivian’s production process by enabling key component suppliers to co-locate in the park, transporting parts across nearby Highway 150 for final assembly into Rivian’s R1 and upcoming R2 models.

“In Illinois, we’re not just building electric vehicles—we’re building the future,” said Governor Pritzker. “By cultivating an entire ecosystem around EV manufacturing, we are creating jobs, attracting global investment, and giving Illinois a distinct competitive advantage in the clean energy economy.”

The supplier park is expected to play a pivotal role in Rivian’s production expansion, including the launch of its more affordable R2 model, scheduled to begin in 2026. The project complements a previously announced $1.5 billion investment by the company to support its Normal operations, adding more than 550 full-time jobs.

“This new supplier park is critical for increasing our production and scaling our business,” said RJ Scaringe, Rivian’s founder and CEO. “We’re grateful to Governor Pritzker and the state of Illinois for their partnership, and we’re excited to welcome suppliers into this purpose-built space.”

To support the initiative, Illinois is offering Rivian an incentive package valued at $16 million, including $5 million over 20 years through the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV Illinois) tax incentive program. The remainder consists of capital grants aimed at facilitating site development and infrastructure improvements. The agreement mandates the creation of at least 93 full-time jobs and a minimum capital investment of $119.6 million.

The REV Illinois program is part of the state’s broader strategy to position itself at the forefront of sustainable industry. Offering competitive tax breaks and support for companies in the EV and renewable energy supply chains, the initiative is helping transform Illinois into a magnet for green technology manufacturers.

Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, emphasized the broader implications: “Rivian’s latest expansion reflects our growing leadership in clean energy manufacturing. These are high-quality, future-facing jobs that will benefit Illinois workers and families for decades.”

Local leaders hailed the project as a transformative investment for the Bloomington-Normal region, citing the economic ripple effects of attracting a new wave of suppliers and bolstering the local labor market.

“Normal is becoming a flagship center for innovation in Illinois,” said Representative Sharon Chung (D-Bloomington). “Rivian’s expansion is helping to build a premier hub for advanced manufacturing in the Midwest.”

Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos echoed those sentiments, highlighting the broader community impact. “This investment solidifies Normal’s role in the clean energy economy and brings tangible benefits to our residents through job creation and economic development.”

Officials also pointed to the region’s skilled workforce and modern infrastructure as key reasons Rivian continues to double down on Illinois. The partnership among the state, local governments, and economic development organizations, they said, has created a blueprint for how public and private collaboration can drive forward-looking industry.

“This is one of the most exciting economic developments in our region’s history,” said Assistant Majority Leader Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). “It cements Normal’s place in the national electric vehicle conversation.”

As construction ramps up, Rivian’s supplier park is expected to not only accelerate the company’s own growth, but also anchor an industrial cluster that will shape the future of American clean transportation from the heart of Illinois.

A subset of Rivian’s suppliers will not merely deliver parts, but also engage in light assembly and manufacturing directly on-site. Rivian employees will then take over the critical next step, preparing and sequencing the parts for transport to the company’s primary manufacturing plant across Highway 150. To avoid congestion on local roads and ensure uninterrupted logistics, Rivian will construct an underground tunnel connecting the new supplier park to its main production facility.

The tunnel is emblematic of Rivian’s broader strategy: investing heavily in vertically integrated infrastructure to secure greater control over its supply chain while boosting efficiency. The automaker is betting that proximity and precision will be key to scaling its operations—especially as it prepares to launch production of its next-generation R2 vehicle.

In tandem with the development of its expansive supplier park, Rivian is moving swiftly ahead with a 1.1 million-square-foot expansion of its main manufacturing facility in Normal, Ill. The addition will house production of the R2, the company’s forthcoming electric vehicle aimed at a more cost-conscious consumer base. Rivian officials say production of the R2 is expected to commence in 2026, marking a pivotal step in the company’s efforts to broaden its market reach and solidify its presence in the competitive EV landscape.