Californian EV maker Rivian has selected Chicago contractor Clayco to build a 1,800-acre manufacturing plant outside Atlanta, Georgia.

The company, which makes SUVs and pick-ups, had previously planned to build the factory in Fort Worth, Texas, but was “outbid” by Georgia, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Georgia governor Brian Kemp said the plant would cost $5bn to build, and when it is complete will assemble 400,000 EVs a year, creating 7,500 jobs.

He commented: “This single investment, the largest in state history, represents the future of automotive manufacturing and establishes the leading role the Peach State will play in this booming industry for generations to come.”

In 2023, Hyundai and LG Energy announced plans to build a $4.3bn plant to make batteries for EVs in Savannah, Georgia.

Tony Sanger, Rivian’s vice president of facilities, said: “We have an ambitious goal to develop an eco-conscious facility that illustrates our mission of keeping the world adventurous forever.”

Work has begun on pre-construction, with groundbreaking due in 2024 and vehicle production aiming for 2026.

The factory was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) with Jacobs as engineer of record