A view shows a second-generation R1S at electric automaker Rivian’s manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois, June 21, 2024.
Joel Ángel Juarez | Reuters
A tornado damaged part of Rivian Automobileat the central Illinois plant this weekend, according to a message sent to employees Sunday evening by CEO RJ Scaringe and viewed by CNBC.
The tornado touched down at the plant, Scarigne said. This area was used for parts storage and logistics for Rivian’s upcoming R2, a crucial product for the company that is expected to go on sale this spring.
Scaringe said operations in the damaged area are expected to resume this week, while other important parts of the plant, such as its assembly lines, operate as planned. No injuries were reported following the incident, according to a company spokeswoman.
“Although Building 2 sustained damage and is closed at this time as we complete our assessments, I am incredibly relieved to share that there were no injuries at our plant,” Scaringe said in his message to employees.
Scaringe said the company “will share more information as it becomes available, but for now our priority is ensuring our normalcy.” [Illinois] the team is safe and supported.
Apparent photos posted online of the aftermath, first reported by TechCrunch, showed damage to the roof and at least one wall of the newly constructed building.
The National Weather Service reports the plant was hit amid a “significant tornado outbreak” that occurred Friday in the upper Midwest. Tornadoes confirmed near the plant Friday evening were rated EF1, with peak winds estimated at 100 mph, according to the NWS.