- Canada’s first commercial-scale advanced battery cell plant begins production in Windsor.
- LG Energy Solution moves to full ownership after initially forming the joint venture with Stellantis.
Grand Opening of Canada’s First Commercial Battery Cell Plant
The NextStar Energy battery manufacturing facility officially opened on March 5 in Windsor, Ontario, marking a major milestone for Canada’s emerging electric mobility supply chain. The advanced plant represents the country’s first commercial-scale battery cell manufacturing operation and is expected to play a strategic role in North America’s electrification ecosystem.
The facility spans approximately 4.23 million square feet and began production in November 2025. Within a short operational period, the plant has already surpassed the production of one million battery cells, highlighting rapid manufacturing ramp-up and strong industrial capability.
Production Capacity and Workforce Expansion
Backed by more than CAD 5 billion in total investment, the project is creating a large advanced manufacturing hub in Ontario. NextStar Energy has already hired around 1,300 employees, with long-term plans to expand the workforce to roughly 2,500 as production scales toward full capacity.
Beyond electric vehicle battery supply, the company is also manufacturing cells designed for next-generation energy storage systems. These batteries can support multiple sectors including grid-level storage, municipal utility networks, e-commerce infrastructure, and high-demand digital facilities such as AI data centers.
Strategic Ownership Transition
Originally launched as a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Stellantis, the project has recently undergone a strategic ownership shift. In February, LG Energy Solution announced plans to acquire full ownership of the operation.
Role in North America’s Battery Supply Chain
The NextStar Energy battery manufacturing facility strengthens regional battery production capabilities and supports broader electrification goals across automotive and energy sectors. As capacity expands, the facility is expected to become a key supplier of advanced lithium-ion cells for both transportation and large-scale energy storage applications.
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