Rivian has announced another round of layoffs as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce costs and improve efficiency. The company confirmed last week that a “small number of salaried positions” have been eliminated, though the exact number of affected employees was not disclosed.
This move is the latest in a series of cost-cutting measures aimed at streamlining Rivian’s operations.
The layoffs are primarily a result of changes made in April to enhance manufacturing efficiency. Rivian discovered that it could produce the same number of vehicles with two shifts instead of three, prompting the decision to reduce staff. The company emphasized that hourly employees involved in vehicle production at the Normal, Illinois plant would not be impacted by these job reductions.
Rivian spokeswoman Kelli Felker explained, “As we continue improving efficiency across the company, we are eliminating a small number of salaried positions. In April we increased our manufacturing efficiency, enabling us to build the same number of vehicles as we did in 2023 on two shifts instead of three. The majority of employees affected are a result of that move. (via WJBC)
This announcement follows a series of previous layoffs at Rivian, including a reduction of 1% of the workforce in April and a larger cut of about 10% of salaried workers in January. These steps are part of Rivian’s broader strategy to adapt to the changing market dynamics and ensure long-term sustainability.
Despite the challenges, Rivian remains focused on its production targets. The company is aiming to produce 57,000 units this year, boosted by the recent launch of its second-generation R1 models. These new models incorporate advanced technology and features designed to lower production costs and improve manufacturing efficiency.
