Rivian Georgia Factory: Work to Resume - Latest Updates

Rivian Georgia Factory: Restart of Preparatory Work Confirmed

Preparations for Rivian’s manufacturing facility in Georgia are scheduled to recommence in August. The company anticipates initiating ground-breaking activities in early next year, as indicated by emails acquired by TechCrunch through a public records request.

$6.6 Billion Loan Fuels Project Restart

This renewed effort follows several months after the U.S. Department of Energy authorized a substantial $6.6 billion loan. This funding is specifically designated to cover the costs associated with the factory’s construction.

As of June 20, 2025, Rivian’s investment in the project has surpassed $80 million, a significant increase from the $41 million recorded in July 2024. This information is detailed in a progress report submitted to the local joint development authority, as found within the released emails.

Construction Timeline and Job Creation

To date, the project has generated 46 full-time employment opportunities. The installation of “deep utilities” is planned for August, with the commencement of “vertical construction” slated for the first quarter of 2026, according to the email correspondence.

Supplier Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

Rivian is proactively engaging with its current supplier network. The aim is to identify potential partners interested in establishing a presence near the Georgia facility.

Seeking Local Supplier Support

Furthermore, Rivian has requested a list from the state’s economic development department. This list will detail suppliers already operating within the region, capable of contributing to the production of the R2 SUV and R3 hatchback at the factory, expected to begin in 2028.

High-Level Meetings and Ongoing Collaboration

In late May, Rivian’s founder and CEO, RJ Scaringe, held a meeting with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. A communication from the company’s corporate affairs director to the governor’s office highlighted the meeting as a “top priority” for Rivian.

Rivian spokesperson Peebles Squire characterized the meeting as a “regular check-in.” He stated, “We discussed our ongoing work in Georgia and gave general project updates as well as discussed ways in which we can continue to have a strong partnership with the state.”

The governor’s press secretary did not provide a response to requests for comment.

Project History and Initial Plans

Rivian initially announced the Georgia factory shortly following its initial public offering (IPO) in late 2021. The original plan envisioned construction starting in 2022, with vehicle production commencing by 2024.

The company pledged a $5 billion investment in the facility and secured $1.5 billion in state incentives in May 2022 to facilitate its realization.

Challenges and Prioritization of Normal, Illinois Facility

The project encountered local opposition and was temporarily sidelined as Rivian addressed supply chain challenges during the production ramp-up of its R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV at its existing factory in Normal, Illinois.

Ultimately, Rivian adjusted the timeline for the Georgia project. The company prioritized expanding the Normal facility, securing $827 million in incentives from Illinois. This shift was announced in 2024 alongside the unveiling of the R2 SUV and R3 hatchback.

Securing Funding and Navigating Political Landscape

In late 2024, Rivian successfully secured the $6.6 billion loan from the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office. This program previously assisted Tesla during the economic downturn over a decade ago.

The loan agreement was finalized shortly before Donald Trump began his second term. It subsequently became a point of scrutiny for individuals within the incoming administration. Vivek Ramaswamy, formerly considered for a role in Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, expressed interest in reviewing the possibility of reclaiming the loan funds.

Following Trump’s inauguration, his administration implemented a freeze on various spending initiatives. While some of these freezes were overturned by lower courts, others remained in effect as the Supreme Court generally allowed the president greater operational latitude.

Governor Kemp's Inquiry and Rivian's Commitment

In February, amid the administration’s broad spending freezes, Governor Kemp expressed uncertainty regarding the loan’s status to a local news outlet.

In an email, Squire affirmed Rivian’s continued collaboration “with DOE and the administration to bring thousands of quality, good paying jobs back to the United States. Electric vehicles are a global strategic industry, and the U.S. should maintain its leadership role in new technologies.”

Re-engagement and Supplier Discussions

Shortly thereafter, in March, Rivian initiated coordination with Governor Kemp’s staff to arrange a direct meeting between Kemp and Scaringe. The meeting, initially scheduled for April 9, was postponed due to a “personal conflict” affecting the Rivian CEO.

Andrew Capezzuto, Rivian’s corporate affairs director, conveyed an apology for the rescheduling, emphasizing the meeting’s “top priority” status.

Concurrent with rescheduling efforts, Capezzuto maintained regular communication with Georgia’s economic development department (GCED).

Supplier Base Evaluation

On April 8, he communicated, “[W]e are interested in picking back up on supplier conversations.” He inquired about a previously prepared overview of existing suppliers within Georgia and the broader Southeastern region.

“I believe a while back GDEcD had prepared an overview of existing suppliers within Georgia and the greater South East region. Would it be possible to dust that list off so that we can see what suppliers and parts are already available? We would like to use that list to evaluate the existing supplier base and determine whether we can leverage any existing suppliers. That will then also help us determine which suppliers we’d like to consider locate [sic] in Georgia to support the SSN facility.”

Squire stated in an email to TechCrunch that “Georgia and the Southeast have a very strong automotive supplier base. We want to leverage that base to optimize logistics costs and reinforce a strong supply chain. It’s good for jobs, regionally and nationally, and promotes American manufacturing and economic development.”

Hiring and Factory Buildout

As Rivian progresses with supplier engagement, the company is also actively recruiting personnel to support the factory’s construction. Within the last month, seven positions have been posted on LinkedIn, including a role for a construction manager.