Rivian Automotive has moved forward with its plans to launch a 2,000-acre EV production plant at Stanton Springs North, breaking ground for the long-delayed project on Sept. 16.
The ceremony involved several state officials — including Gov. Brian Kemp and Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Burns — and numerous local representatives.
The recent ceremony took place nearly four years ago
While some who lack vision and knowledge saw this site as only a hayfield, others knew this day would come, and thousands of quality, good-paying jobs for hardworking Georgians would follow. It is no accident that this project ended up here in Georgia.
Kemp announced plans to implement the $5 billion project in Morgan and Walton counties. Rivian expects to create 7,500 new jobs by 2030, along with 2,000 construction jobs.
Jerry Silvio, chairman of the Joint Development Authority for Walton, Morgan, Jasper, and Newton counties, spoke briefly at the event on why the project was a “perfect opportunity” for the authority and on implementing such jobs in the surrounding areas.
“The Rivian project is exactly the kind of opportunity the JDA envisioned 25 years ago: high-tech, good-paying jobs in the communities we call home,” Silvio said. “With Rivian here, our region continues to be a hub for innovation and high-tech manufacturing. When we see a Rivian vehicle drive down a Georgia road, we see more than a truck — it’s our community and a source of pride for everyone here.”
RJ Scaringe, Rivian’s CEO and founder, spoke at the ceremony, thanking state representatives for their contributions to the project. He believes that the Stanton Springs plant will help spread the company’s products internationally.
“We are cementing Rivian’s future at our Georgia plant, helping ensure America maintains its technology leadership and excellence in automobile manufacturing,” Scaringe said. “Our Georgia facility will support our global expansion and provide the scale necessary to get millions of future drivers in our incredible all-electric vehicles, both in the United States and overseas.”
In a recent press release, Rivian stated that the EV company intends to begin its first phase of construction in 2026, with hopes of EV production to begin two years later. The company plans to develop its R2 SUV and R3 Crossover at the Stanton Springs site.
Kemp spoke to attendees shortly before the groundbreaking ceremony took place and commented on how the ceremony marks a significant achievement.
“Today is another milestone in bringing quality, good-paying jobs to Georgians in this part of the state,” Kemp said. “With today’s groundbreaking, this innovative company is further delivering on its commitment to the people of Georgia, and the thousands of hardworking Americans who will work at this facility will see generational benefits for their families.”
The recent ceremony took place amid differing views of many surrounding citizens on the project. Kemp noted that “the road to get here” to break ground was not easy, and “clickbait media downplayed the project from the start.”
“Today, we’re taking just the latest major step and delivering on our promise to bring jobs and opportunities to communities like this one,” Kemp said. “While some who lack vision and knowledge saw this site as only a hayfield, others knew this day would come, and thousands of quality, good-paying jobs for hardworking Georgians would follow. It is no accident that this project ended up here in Georgia.”
With the recent ceremony, Kemp hopes to “deliver on the promise” he made in announcing the project.
“We’re able to celebrate days like today that represent real growth and opportunity for our working Georgians,” Kemp said. “Working together, I look forward to continuing to deliver on the promises that we made to Georgians on that December day four years ago.”