NextStar Energy has officially inaugurated Canada’s first commercial-scale advanced battery manufacturing facility in Windsor, marking a major milestone for the country’s growing clean energy and electric mobility ecosystem.
The grand opening event, titled “NextStar Energy: Powering What’s Next,” brought together government leaders and industry executives, including Danies Lee, David Kim, Doug Ford, Mélanie Joly, and Jung-Kwan Kim.
Major investment in Canada’s battery ecosystem
The 4.23 million-square-foot facility represents a cornerstone of Canada’s advanced battery manufacturing sector. Since 2022, the project has attracted more than $5 billion CAD in investment and created 1,300 direct jobs, with plans to expand to 2,500 employees as production scales.
The facility was originally established as a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Stellantis, aimed at building a large-scale battery manufacturing hub to support electric vehicles and advanced energy systems.
Rapid production growth
Production at the Windsor plant began in November 2025, and the facility has already produced more than one million battery cells, demonstrating rapid scaling capabilities and strong demand for advanced battery technologies.
Beyond electric vehicles, the company said the battery cells produced at the plant will also power energy storage systems (ESS) used in sectors such as AI data centres, municipal and provincial utility grids, and digital infrastructure.
Strengthening Canada’s electrification push
Industry leaders highlighted the facility’s importance in strengthening Canada’s role in the global transition toward electrification and advanced manufacturing.
NextStar Energy CEO Danies Lee said the project reflects the growing economic momentum in Windsor and will help power the next generation of energy systems while strengthening domestic supply chains.
Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution CEO David Kim noted that the company recently decided to acquire full ownership of NextStar Energy, expressing confidence that the facility will play a critical role in Canada’s electrification journey.
Key milestones in the project
The project has progressed rapidly since its announcement:
- March 2022: Joint venture announced between LG Energy Solution and Stellantis
- June 2022: Company named NextStar Energy and CEO appointed
- November 2022: Construction begins at the Windsor site
- October 2024: Battery module production starts
- September 2025: Construction phase completed
- November 2025: Full electrode and battery cell production begins
- February 2026: One-millionth battery cell produced
Officials said the new facility strengthens Canada’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, creates thousands of high-skilled jobs, and supports the global transition to electrified transportation and clean energy systems.
