Rivian factory damaged by hurricane amid crucial R2 EV launch

The hurricane destroyed part of Rivian Carsplant in central Illinois over the weekend, according to a letter CEO RJ Scaringe sent to employees Sunday night and seen by CNBC.

Scarini said the tornado hit the plant. This area was used to store parts and logistics for Rivian’s upcoming R2 device, an important product for the company that is expected to go on sale this spring.

Scaring said operations in the affected area are expected to resume this week, while other key parts of the plant, such as assembly lines, are operating as planned. No injuries were reported as a result of the accident, according to a company spokeswoman.

“Although Building 2 sustained damage and is currently closed while we complete our assessments, I am very relieved to report that there have been no casualties at our plant,” Scarring said in his letter to employees.

Scaringe said the company “will share more information as it becomes available, but for now, our priority is ensuring we get back to normal.” [Illinois] The team is safe and supported.”

Clear photos posted online of the aftermath of the incident, first reported by TechCrunch, showed damage to the roof and at least one wall of the recently constructed building.

The National Weather Service reported that the plant was hit amid a “major tornado outbreak” that occurred Friday across the upper Midwest. The tornadoes confirmed near the plant Friday night were rated as EF1, with peak winds estimated at 100 mph, according to the NWS.