Rivian Groundbreaking in Georgia

This week marked a historic milestone for economic development in the Southeast as Rivian held the groundbreaking ceremony for its $5 billion electric vehicle manufacturing plant at Stanton Springs North, located in Social Circle (Walton County), Georgia, within the Joint Development Authority (JDA) region of Jasper, Morgan, Newton & Walton Counties.

When first announced in 2021, the project was the largest single economic development investment in Georgia’s history and is expected to create 7,500 jobs. Rivian’s decision highlights both Georgia’s strength as a hub for advanced manufacturing and the importance of regional collaboration in securing transformational projects.

Local leadership played a critical role in making this achievement possible. Shane Short, President and CEO of the Development Authority of Walton County, and Serra Hall, Executive Director of the Newton County Industrial Development Authority, led the recruitment efforts on behalf of the JDA. Their leadership and persistence, alongside strong state and community partnerships, helped deliver a project that will shape the region for generations to come.

Rivian’s groundbreaking is more than the start of construction; it marks the beginning of new opportunities for workforce development, supplier growth, and long-term prosperity across the four-county region.