American electric vehicle (EV) maker, Rivian, announced the opening of its newest spaces location at Ponce City Market in Atlanta, Georgia. It used the occasion to showcase progress on its future Georgia manufacturing facility and upcoming milestones. The seventh public-focused Rivian space since June 2023, part of a nationwide rollout, visitors had the opportunity to connect with the Rivian brand, get up-close with its electric adventure vehicles, and learn more about the company’s plans in Georgia.
Rivian will build its next manufacturing facility — with an annual capacity of 400,000 units when fully complete — at the Stanton Springs North site about 40 minutes from Atlanta across Morgan and Walton Counties. For the past several months, the State of Georgia and Joint Development Authority of Jasper, Morgan, Newton, and Walton Counties have worked with state and local partners to prepare the site for Rivian’s arrival. At this time, the upper pad is 95% graded and is nearly ready for construction to begin. Rivian expects to hold a formal groundbreaking ceremony in early 2024, with start of vertical construction to begin thereafter.
“We’re excited to welcome visitors to our latest Rivian space in Atlanta,” said Rivian Chief Executive Officer and Founder RJ Scaringe. “This one is particularly exciting as it is close to our future R2 manufacturing campus. This space will serve as a valuable hub to connect with the surrounding community.” While the facility is under construction, Rivian’s space at Ponce City Market will serve as the company’s most public presence in the state, giving visitors a venue to learn more about Rivian vehicles, take demo drives, and purchase unique merchandise. Rivian builds its spaces to serve as hubs for community involvement, hosting imaginative and entertaining regular programming, such as gardening workshops or bicycle repair.
Rivian has opened an office in Covington, Georgia, a short drive from its future factory, and continues to grow its local presence with the addition of Tony Sanger, vice president of Facilities-Georgia, as well as support functions designed to ensure a timely and innovative construction process.