Rivian broke ground this week on what it is calling a generational investment in American manufacturing, holding a formal kickoff ceremony at the site of its future production plant outside Social Circle, Georgia. The new facility, Rivian executives said, represents a multibillion-dollar bet on both the company’s future and the long-term viability of U.S.-based vehicle manufacturing. Rivian plans to build the Georgia plant in two phases. “We are cementing Rivian’s future at our Georgia plant, helping ensure America maintains its technology leadership and excellence in automobile manufacturing,” Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe told attendees. For Rivian, which has faced production and financial hurdles as it seeks to scale up, the Georgia facility is a high-stakes move.