Rivian completes former Mitsubishi plant purchase

Posted on January 5, 2017

Rivian CEO R.J. Scaringe (right). (Adam Studzinski/WJBC)

By Adam Studzinski

NORMAL – Rivian Automotive has officially purchased the former Mitsubishi Motors plant in Normal.

The company had announced last month it was in talks to buy the facility.

“We couldn’t be more excited to purchase this tremendous facility in the Town of Normal,” said CEO RJ Scaringe in a news release. “This location will be crucial to bringing our products to market, and we look forward to being an active part of this vibrant community.”

Several local taxing bodies approved a $1 million grant and five-year property tax abatement for Rivian, but those perks are performance-based.

“We are thrilled to see the plant being utilized once again,” said CEO of Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Kyle Ham. “The plant has been a staple in our community for decades. With Rivian choosing to invest in the former Mitsubishi site, we begin a new chapter for the future for our workforce and community here in Normal.”

Rivian has plans to create 1,000 jobs and invest up to $175 million in Normal by 2024. The purchase price of the plant was not listed. The plant was sold to Maynards Industries in 2016 for $2.5 million.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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