NORMAL (WEEK) - The United Autoworkers Union wants to represent employees who will make electric vehicles at the Rivian plant in northwest Normal.

About 1,000 people will work there, and the company recently announced it's helping Lincoln Motor Company develop luxury electric vehicles. Lincoln's parent company is Ford, which is investing $500 million in Rivian.

In a statement, UAW Region 4 Director Ron McInroy noted the union's history at the former Mitsubishi Motors plant in Normal, and with Ford.

"There are a lot of skilled and talented workers around Normal, Illinois who will make for an excellent Rivian workforce and build a world class quality product," McInroy said.

"We look forward to these jobs returning and UAW members having the opportunity once again to organize and form their local union which has meant so much to that community," he added.

Rivian plans to start producing its R1T pickup truck and R1S sport utility vehicle later this year.