Rivian will host two special events next month to mark the restart of construction of its $5 billion Georgia electric vehicle factory, a company spokesperson said in an email to ESG Dive sister publication Automotive Dive.
A community event is set for Sept. 14, which will be followed by a formal kickoff ceremony on Sept. 16 “in celebration of our strong partnership with Georgia and the planned resumption of construction in 2026,” the spokesperson said. The kickoff will be attended by stakeholders and government officials including Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.
The plant near Social Circle is expected to start production in 2028 with an annual capacity of about 200,000 units.
The battery electric vehicle maker has faced hurdles with its Georgia factory project. In March 2024, Rivian announced it was stopping construction to save money, deciding instead to move production of its upcoming R2 SUV to its plant in Normal, Illinois, to expedite sales.
Rivian was able to get the project back on track after it won final approval for a $6.6 billion Department of Energy loan, in January. However, Rivian cannot access the funds—which are available through September 2028—until it resumes work on the Georgia factory.
Rivian is investing heavily in Georgia. The company in July announced that it was opening a new East Coast headquarters in Atlanta later this year that will initially employ 100 people, but will ultimately house 500 workers to support its operations in the state.
