Rivian on Friday became the latest Bloomington-Normal employer to shut down amid the coronavirus.
The electric automaker said Friday it was temporarily shutting down all its facilities, including its manufacturing plant in Normal. Rivian has 307 employees in Normal.
All employees – hourly and salaried – will continue to be paid through the shutdown, said Rivian spokesperson Zach Dietmeier.
"First and foremost, we want to ensure the health, safety, and security of our people," he said.
Rivian is working to get the plant ready for production, which is slated to begin later this year. The shutdown has stopped all interior renovation. Certain types of in-process construction—external work that naturally allows for safe distancing—are exempt from the state order, and three contract groups are continuing to work, said Dietmeier.
"However, we are not asking contractors to continue work if they feel their wellness or safety are compromised due to the virus," he said via email March 25.
The Bridgestone plant in Normal has also announced a temporary closure. Other employers, like State Farm and Country Financial, have pushed employees to work from home.
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