NextStar Energy opens Canada’s first battery plant

NextStar Energy has officially opened its Windsor, Ontario facility, marking the launch of Canada’s first and only commercial-scale battery manufacturing plant. The 4.23 million-square-foot site represents a CA$5bn investment since 2022 and has created 1,300 direct jobs, with production already surpassing one million battery cells.

Full electrode and cell production began in November 2025. Beyond automotive applications, NextStar Energy is manufacturing cells for energy storage systems designed to support data centres, utility grids, and technology infrastructure.

The company was originally established as a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Stellantis in March 2022. In February 2026, LG Energy Solution announced it would acquire full ownership following a mutually agreed decision with Stellantis.

In a statement, Danies Lee, Chief Executive Officer of NextStar Energy, said: “Today’s grand opening reflects the economic momentum we are building here in Windsor. With strong investment from the federal and provincial governments and the commitments from our founding joint venture partners, we are proud to be creating long-term economic value for Canada.”

David Kim, Chief Executive Officer of LG Energy Solution, added: “As Canada’s first large-scale battery manufacturing facility, NextStar Energy will play a critical role in powering the nation’s next chapter of electrification.” The company aims to expand its workforce to 2,500 direct employees as production scales.

Source: NextStar Energy