Electrification focus of manufacturer spending for facilities in three states
By onAnnouncements | Technology
Electrification is the focus of facility expansions in two states and a new manufacturing facility in a third.
Rivian Automotive recently announced an $827 million incentive package from the State of Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity to expand operations at its plant in Normal, Illinois.
Funds will be spent on plant expansion, improvements to public infrastructure, and job training programs, as Rivian leads up to the production of its midsized SUV, the R2, a company press release, says. It says the updates will start in the coming months.
“The support from the state will allow us to quickly bring our midsize SUV, R2, to market and provide even greater consumer choice for EVs,” said RJ Scaringe, Rivian founder and chief executive officer, in the release. “Gov. [J.B.] Pritzker has always been a strong advocate for providing economic opportunities for Illinois residents and business owners alike. We look forward to continuing our close partnership and building upon the success we have enjoyed.”
The plant will continue to produce R1S and R1T vehicles, along with commercial electric delivery vehicles. The facility has manufactured more than 100,000 EVs since production began in 2021.
Rivian has invested $2 billion in Normal and generated a value-add of over $3.9 billion to the local economy, the release says.
The first of Toyota’s all-hybrid 2025 Camry vehicles rolled off the assembly line at its Georgetown, Kentucky facility last week.
The company recently invested $1.3 billion in the Georgetown facility to further boost electrification efforts. This includes the assembly of an all-new, three-row battery electric SUV for the U.S. market.
“Starting production of the new Camry is another proof point that Toyota is committed to providing secure employment and has been for nearly four decades,” said Kerry Creech, president of Toyota Kentucky, in a news release. “We continue to stay true to that promise by reinvesting profits in this plant and preparing our team members for future production opportunities, including a variety of electrified vehicles.”
In Georgia, Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced a new $184 million manufacturing facility in Augusta for GF Casting Solutions AG, a division of Georg Fischer AG, Schaffhausen.
The company produces lightweight components for the mobility and energy industries, a press release from the governor’s office says. This includes producing parts made from aluminum, magnesium, iron, and super alloy for light vehicles, trucks, aerospace energy, off-highway vehicles, and industrial applications.
“Building a high-pressure die casting facility is a very long-term investment. The new facility will complete our footprint to become truly global in the e-mobility market,” said Carlos Vasto, president of GF Casting Solutions, in the release. “We are looking forward to bringing leading technology to the U.S. and to creating advanced manufacturing jobs for several generations in Georgia. The location is ideal for addressing the thriving automotive industry in the region.”
The Augusta facility will focus on producing large structural cast aluminum parts for the automotive industry, the release says. Operations are expected to begin in 2027.
IMAGES
Photo of 2025 Camry rolling off the assembly line in Kentucky/Toyota. Inside photo of Rivian Normal, Illinois facility/Rivian.