Rivian resumed site-preparation work at its Stanton Springs North site in Social Circle, Ga., in August 2025, installing utilities and carrying out grading and other preparatory activities, the company said. The automaker hosted a community event on Sept. 14 and plans an invitation-only ceremonial groundbreaking on Sept. 16 as it moves toward the next phase of the project.
The company emphasized that the current activity is focused on site prep and utility installation rather than full structural work. Rivian has said vertical construction — the main structural build that includes foundations and building shells — is slated to begin in 2026. The restart follows a pause in construction in March 2024, and the recent on-site work signals the project returning to active development ahead of the larger build-out.
Local officials and company representatives will attend the Sept. 16 ceremony to highlight expected economic and job benefits for the region. Reporters should attribute specific timing and scope to Rivian spokespeople or company communications when describing the project’s next steps.
The Georgia factory project was first announced in December 2021, when Rivian unveiled plans for a $5 billion electric vehicle assembly plant at Stanton Springs North.
DOE loan
On Jan. 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a $6.57 billion loan package to Rivian to support construction of an electric-vehicle manufacturing facility in Georgia; Rivian confirmed on Jan. 16, 2025 that it had closed a loan agreement with the DOE for up to $6.6 billion, funds the company says will help finance the Stanton Springs plant and expand its U.S. production capacity.
Breaking down the loan, approximately $5.98 billion covers principal interest, with an additional $592 million in capitalized interest. This funding aligns with the federal government’s strategic push to strengthen the domestic supply chain for clean energy manufacturing and electric vehicles.
Rivian is among an impressive list of automakers benefiting from the DOE’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing loan program. Previous recipients include Ford Motor Company ($5.9 billion in 2009), Nissan North America ($1.45 billion in 2010), and Tesla Motors ($465 million in 2010).
This significant financial backing could be a game-changer for Rivian, potentially stabilizing its operations and accelerating its electric vehicle production plans.
Both Rivian and VinFast have faced setbacks in bringing large-scale EV factories to the U.S. South. Rivian paused work on its Georgia plant but has now restarted site-prep, with vertical construction scheduled for 2026. VinFast, meanwhile, has delayed its North Carolina factory, moving its production target from 2025 to 2028. Together, the two projects illustrate the challenges EV manufacturers encounter in aligning ambitious timelines with market and financial realities.
Clayco selected for Rivian’s Georgia plant construction
Rivian, made an announcement on December 19th, 2023 they have selected a construction company to build their planned manufacturing factory in Georgia.
Clayco, a Chicago-based company, will build a massive 16-million-square-foot factory on an expansive 1,800-acre site spanning Morgan and Walton counties in Georgia. This project stands as a pivotal economic development venture, promising to create approximately 7,500 jobs once manufacturing begins.
Rivian, headquartered in California, currently operates a factory in Illinois, transforming a former Mitsubishi facility to manufacture its R1T truck and R1S SUV. The company has strategically selected Georgia for its next manufacturing hub. This custom-built facility will focus on producing Rivian’s upcoming vehicle lineup, including the highly anticipated R2 crossover model.
The new Georgia factory represents a significant milestone in Rivian’s expansion strategy, signaling the company’s commitment to scaling up its electric vehicle production and establishing a strong manufacturing presence in the southeastern United States.
Read also: Toyota’s Rear Axle Production plant in San Antonio, Texas
Rivian Georgia Plant Timeline
March 2024 – Rivian pauses construction at its Stanton Springs North site in Georgia.
November 2024 – The U.S. Department of Energy issues a conditional commitment for a multi-billion-dollar loan to support the project.
January 2025 – Rivian finalizes a loan agreement with the DOE valued at up to $6.6 billion, providing key financing for the factory.
August 2025 – Site-preparation work resumes at Stanton Springs, including utility installation and grading.
September 14, 2025 – Rivian hosts a public community celebration at the site, offering vehicle demos and family activities to mark progress.
September 16, 2025 – A ceremonial groundbreaking, with state and local officials, signaling the formal restart of the project.
Early 2026 – Vertical construction of the plant’s main structures is scheduled to begin.
2028 – Rivian targets the start of production at the Georgia facility.
Rivian Georgia Plant — Project Factsheet
Location: Stanton Springs North (Social Circle), Morgan & Walton counties, Georgia
Site: 1,800 acres; roughly 16 million sq. ft. of planned facilities
Estimated investment: $5 billion
Financing (DOE loan): Conditional commitment in late 2024; DOE announced a $6.57 billion loan decision (reported Jan. 15, 2025) and Rivian confirmed closing a loan agreement (reported Jan. 16, 2025) for up to $6.6 billion to support construction, equipment and related manufacturing upgrades.
Capacity: Up to 400,000 vehicles per year when fully built
Jobs: 7,500 direct jobs
Project announced: December 2021
Pause: Construction paused in March 2024
Restart / current activity: Site-preparation resumed in August 2025 (deep utilities, grading and other prep work)
Community / ceremonial events: Public community day Sept. 14, 2025; invitation-only ceremonial groundbreaking Sept. 16, 2025
Vertical construction (main structural build): Scheduled to begin Q1 2026 (foundations, building shells, major structures)
Production target: Commissioning and ramp toward production around 2028
Current status: Site-prep underway; DOE financing in place; vertical construction planned for early 2026.
