WINDSOR, Ont. — Ontario officials and industry leaders gathered Thursday to mark the grand opening of NextStar Energy Inc.’s massive battery manufacturing facility in Windsor, a project provincial leaders say will strengthen Canada’s electric vehicle supply chain while creating thousands of manufacturing jobs.
The 4.23-million-square-foot plant — described by the Ontario government as Canada’s first commercial-scale advanced battery manufacturing facility — is expected to create up to 2,500 direct jobs once fully operational. The project forms a key part of the province’s strategy to secure its automotive sector’s transition toward electric vehicles and advanced energy technologies.
“The opening of the NextStar Energy battery facility is a milestone for southwestern Ontario, creating thousands of local jobs and benefiting workers across our province’s automotive and advanced manufacturing supply chains,” said Premier Doug Ford. “NextStar’s commitment to Ontario workers reflects the hard work our government has done to cut taxes and red tape, attract historic levels of investment and build the most competitive, resilient, self-reliant economy in the G7.”
Production at the facility began in November 2025, and the company says it has already produced more than one million battery cells. More than 1,300 workers have been hired so far, with the workforce expected to grow by another 1,200 employees as the plant reaches full production capacity.
The $5-billion investment underscores the rapid growth of Ontario’s EV battery supply chain, which has attracted billions of dollars in commitments from automakers and battery producers over the past several years. Provincial officials say the NextStar facility will supply batteries for electric vehicles while also supporting emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence data centres and large-scale energy infrastructure projects.
“By leveraging LG Energy Solution’s technological expertise alongside Windsor’s manufacturing might, NextStar Energy has solidified its position as a cornerstone in North America’s battery ecosystem,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We congratulate NextStar Energy on achieving these initial milestones and look forward to seeing their batteries unlock new economic opportunities for Ontario’s leading industries.”
The project was first announced in March 2022 with financial backing from both the Ontario and federal governments, part of broader efforts to secure a domestic battery manufacturing base as global demand for EVs accelerates.
Since 2018, Ontario says it has secured roughly $213 billion in investments from domestic and international companies. More than $46 billion of that total has been directed toward vehicle manufacturing and the EV battery supply chain.
NextStar Energy was originally formed as a joint venture between automaker Stellantis and South Korea’s LG Energy Solution. The battery manufacturer recently announced plans to acquire Stellantis’ stake and become the sole owner of the Windsor operation while maintaining the facility’s employment target.
“When LG Energy Solution decided to become the sole owner of NextStar Energy, we did so with absolute confidence. 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,” said David Kim, Chief Executive Officer, LG Energy Solution.
Federal officials say the project also strengthens Canada’s position in the global transition toward electric mobility and advanced energy storage.
“The official opening of NextStar Energy’s Windsor facility marks a major milestone for Canada’s auto industry. This new centre of advanced battery manufacturing will accelerate our leadership in next-generation vehicles by powering the cars we build, reinforce the strength of our energy grids and develop the strategic technologies our partners and allies rely on. This reflects the industrial progress we are advancing with the Canada-Korea MOU on future mobility and strategic collaboration. Canada is not just participating in the future of mobility, but we are shaping it. Congratulations to everyone whose hard work made this milestone possible,” said Mélanie Joly, Federal Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
Ontario officials also pointed to the province’s natural resources and energy system as key advantages in attracting battery manufacturers.
“Our government is on a mission to boost Canada’s supply chains, focused on protecting our workers and country from global instability. That is why we are proud of the opening of NextStar Energy’s facility — powered by 2,500 workers and Ontario’s nuclear advantage. Ontario has emerged as the second-best jurisdiction on earth for attracting mining investment, a critical link to boosting the EV industry in Ontario with reliable supply of critical minerals,” said Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines.
Local political leaders say the plant will have a significant economic impact across southwestern Ontario, supporting both direct jobs and the broader automotive supply chain.
“NextStar Energy’s opening truly signals a new era — creating thousands of good jobs and solidifying our role as an international leader in advanced manufacturing and the EV battery supply chain. I sincerely thank LG Energy Solution for their significant investment and commitment in Windsor-Essex,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor—Tecumseh.
“Our government is creating great jobs for people in Essex County, including through transformative investments like the NextStar Energy battery plant. NextStar is bringing thousands of good paying jobs to our region and strengthening our local automotive sector for the next generation. These jobs mean people in Essex County can build a home, raise a family and build meaningful careers right here at home,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex.
“The NextStar Energy plant in Windsor is creating good-paying jobs that support families throughout Chatham—Kent—Leamington. This major investment by LG Energy Solution is helping to build a stronger, more resilient regional economy,” added Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham—Kent—Leamington.
Local officials say the project represents a turning point for the region’s economic development.
“Today marks a major milestone for the game-changing NextStar Energy facility in Windsor. The $5 billion investment has placed us at the forefront of electrification, and 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. Windsor-Essex is one of the fastest growing communities to watch in Ontario and Canada, and NextStar Energy is a major component of our unprecedented growth and evolution. In the face of global economic uncertainties, this project remains rooted in our long-term strategy. We thank the Province of Ontario, Premier Ford, Minister Fedeli, LGES, the NextStar Energy team and all project partners for investing responsibly and continuing to support the positive momentum this project has generated,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.
Manufacturing remains one of Ontario’s largest economic sectors, employing more than 800,000 people across the province and playing a key role in Canada’s export-driven economy. Provincial leaders say projects such as the Windsor battery facility are intended to ensure Ontario remains competitive as the global automotive industry shifts toward electrification and advanced manufacturing technologies.