We sat down with Javier Varela, Rivian Chief Operations Officer, to talk about our team, our culture, our commitment to our local communities, and our plans for continued expansion.
Can you give us a sense of the scale of Rivian's Normal, IL manufacturing complex?
Javier: We currently assemble all of our vehicles at our plant in Normal, Illinois. The R1S all-electric SUV, the R1T all-electric truck and Rivian’s commercial vans are built there—and we will be adding a fourth vehicle in 2026. Next year, we will begin building R2, a midsize, more affordable all-electric SUV here as well. We have thousands of team members working in our current 4.3 million square foot plant, and we are currently in the process of adding an additional 1.1 million square feet for R2 manufacturing.
What makes the Rivian plant unique or special?
Javier: Our products are sophisticated and we use cutting edge technology, including AI, to constantly improve our manufacturing processes. But the people that work at this plant and the community we’re in are truly the most important story. This plant was weeks from being liquidated and demolished when Rivian stepped in to purchase it, hiring more employees than had worked there at its peak. The town of Normal means a lot to us and we are committed to continuing to transform the plant into a top tier assembly plant, providing thousands of good-paying jobs in Central Illinois.
How does Rivian use technology at the plant?
Javier: Technology is important, and we are using our robotics and AI capabilities extensively. We have high levels of automation, but everything starts with our team members: they’re the experts at what they do. They have a continuous improvement mindset, constantly sharing ideas about how to improve the way we build our vehicles, always keeping safety top of mind. This can include integrating technology, but it also might be as simple as how to present a part on the line so it’s easier for a team member to reach it. Technology only multiplies the impact of our workforce’s creativity and expertise - rigorous “go and see” problem solving and standardized work are just as crucial on the plant floor.
How is the R2 plant expansion going?
Javier: Our R2 expansion is firmly on track. The implementation of lean principles through our Rivian Production System (RPS) ensures the expansion is not just about adding square footage, but about building out a highly efficient value stream from day one with just-in-time material delivery. We are working to minimize lead times and inventory costs, and are designing our line layouts expressly for flow. Equipment is already arriving in advance of our planned shutdown later this year, and we'll be integrating into the R1 line in some areas to maximize efficiency. Planning has been very intentional, and we are focused on minimizing disruption so we can get to production as quickly as possible.
How are you bringing your manufacturing approach in Normal to your new plant in Georgia?
Javier: Based on our Rivian Production System, we've developed a very strong manufacturing culture in Normal, Illinois and are excited to bring that to a new facility that we will build from the ground up. So, while these two plants will share many things, our Stanton Springs, Georgia plant will be designed around the way we want to build vehicles, rather than us building processes around an existing manufacturing footprint. When completed, our plant in Georgia is expected to employ thousands more people, will have the capacity to assemble more than 400,000 vehicles per year to be shipped globally and will have a high level of vertical integration.
© 2026 Rivian
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