Building the Future of EV Manufacturing in Normal, IL

One memory that has stayed with me from my dad is his belief that when things matter, you do not flinch at the first sign of difficulty. You stay the course. Not stubbornly, not blindly, but with conviction rooted in purpose. That lesson has come back to me often, especially during moments when long-term work requires deliberate resolve.

Being part of the Rivian R2 journey brings that lesson into sharp focus. Building something meaningful rarely follows a straight line. It takes steady leadership, committed teams, and partners who believe in the outcome as much as the process. The progress taking shape at the Normal, Illinois, facility reflects that mindset. There is real momentum, real investment, and a clear commitment to doing this the right way, not the easy way.

Clayco’s role in helping bring the manufacturing plant and supplier facilities online, alongside our architectural partners SOM and LJC, has been a point of genuine pride. Construction is more than schedules and steel. It is about creating the foundation that allows innovation to scale responsibly. Supporting the broader supplier ecosystem alongside the plant itself reinforces the idea that this is not just about a vehicle launch. It is about building a durable system that can support growth, jobs, and long-term impact.

In today’s world, doing it the right way means more than it used to. It also means considering the future we are handing to the next generation. The R2 represents an opportunity to make electric adventure more accessible while keeping responsibility and stewardship at the center of the conversation.

Staying the course means believing that this kind of work matters. It means weathering uncertainty with purpose and taking pride in being part of something bigger than any one role or project. I am grateful to be part of a team that understands that and is committed to seeing it through.

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