NextStar Energy, the battery joint venture between Stellantis and LG Energy Solution, has completed construction of its battery cell and module factory in Windsor, Ontario, and received its operating licence, paving the way for production to begin later this year.
The company said cell production is now “one step closer” following the milestone. Danies Lee, CEO of NextStar Energy, said: “This achievement is the direct result of a shared vision, effective partnership, and incredible hard work of everyone involved.”
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The Windsor plant, commissioned last year, had already begun producing battery modules with supplied cells, while in-house cell manufacturing was targeted for 2025. The facility has a planned annual production capacity of 49.5 gigawatt-hours. Electrodes will be produced on site before being assembled into cells and then modules, which are supplied to Stellantis vehicle factories.
About 950 employees currently work at the plant, with staffing expected to increase to 2,500 as part of agreements with federal and provincial governments. The site includes 11 buildings, among them two main production facilities for cells and modules, a recycling centre and a safety testing lab. While some ancillary areas remain under construction, officials said the facility is fully approved for safe occupancy and production.
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NextStar’s construction faced delays after work was suspended in May 2023 amid disputes over public funding. The joint venture resumed activity in July 2023 following an agreement with Canadian authorities, who had pledged up to C$13.7 billion for Volkswagen’s St. Thomas battery plant.