With construction now complete, NextStar is preparing to ramp up battery cell production later this year

NextStar Energy has received an occupancy permit that marks the official end of the construction of its $5-billion battery manufacturing facility in Windsor, Ont.

The plant is a joint venture between Stellantis and LG Energy Solution.

Although minor work is still underway in some areas, the facility is now deemed “fully approved for safe occupancy and ready for production.”

“This achievement is the direct result of a shared vision, effective partnership, and incredible hard work of everyone involved,” says Danies Lee, CEO of NextStar Energy, in a press statement. “As we transition from construction to operations, I am deeply grateful for the collaboration between our partner[s]…and all who have supported our project to be completed safely and on schedule.”

Battery cell production

Construction of the 4.23-million-square-foot complex began in August 2022. The site now includes 11 buildings: two main facilities dedicated to cell and module manufacturing and nine auxiliary buildings, including a recycling centre and safety testing laboratory.

Battery module production officially began at the Windsor facility in October 2024, with imported lithium-ion cells from LG Energy Solution’s plant in Poland.

These modules were assembled into packs that power Stellantis’ electric vehicles.

With construction complete, NextStar says it can now start “ramping up” operations for battery cell manufacturing at the plant later this year.

This will bring the entire process — from electrode production, cell formation and assembly, to module assembly — under one roof for NextStar.

At full capacity, the facility is expected to produce up to 49.5 gigawatt hours annually.

The Windsor plant currently employs over 950 full-time staff, with hiring expected to grow to 2,500 positions as production scales up.

“Completion of construction marks a major milestone for the game-changing NextStar Energy battery manufacturing facility in Windsor,” says Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.

“This $5-billion investment has placed us at the forefront of electrification. Our collective commitment to collaboration, land development, infrastructure, and job creation continues to drive new investments and build the foundation of future growth and development for Windsor and Essex County.”