Media Release: Premier’s Office
Recognized as Canada’s first commercial-scale battery facility, the project will create up to 2,500 direct jobs and protect the province’s advanced manufacturing sector
WINDSOR — Today, the Ontario government marked a major milestone for the province’s manufacturing sector with the official grand opening of NextStar Energy Inc.’s 4.23 million-square-foot state-of-the-art Windsor facility. As Canada’s first commercial-scale advanced battery manufacturing facility, the project will create up to 2,500 good-paying jobs while strengthening Ontario’s position as a leading global manufacturer of advanced technologies needed to power electric vehicles (EV), AI data centres and other high-energy infrastructure projects.
“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.”
Since production began in November 2025, the company has already produced over one million battery cells and hired more than 1,300 highly skilled workers, with 1,200 more jobs expected once at full operational capacity. Today’s event served to reaffirm NextStar Energy’s $5 billion commitment to Ontario, while demonstrating the resilience, reliability and competitiveness of the province’s investment climate.
“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, 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.”
Ontario, in partnership with the federal government, first announced its support for NextStar Energy’s project in March 2022 as part of a commitment to transform the province’s automotive supply chain. As domestic and international demand for energy storage rises, NextStar Energy’s decision to diversify its production portfolio and expand its customer base will further anchor the company’s operations in Ontario for decades to come.
“Today’s grand opening reflects the economic momentum we are building here in Windsor,” said Danies Lee, Chief Executive Officer of NextStar Energy. “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. At the same time, we are helping power the next generation of energy that will future-proof Canadian industry at scale. This is a unique, made-in-Canada success story and one we can all be proud of.” Since 2018, Ontario has landed a historic $213 billion in investments from foreign and domestic companies, including over $46 billion in new investments in vehicle manufacturing and the EV battery supply chain. As the global business landscape evolves, the government remains focused on taking decisive action to protect workers and reinforce Ontario’s position as the most competitive jurisdiction in the G7 to invest, expand and grow.
Quick Facts
- Accounting for over 800,000 workers across the province, the manufacturing sector is a driving force behind the province’s economic strength and global competitiveness.
- LG Energy Solution is a leading global battery manufacturer delivering advanced lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility and IT applications and energy storage systems.
- NextStar Energy was originally a joint venture between Stellantis and LG Energy Solution. LG Energy Solution recently announced they are purchasing Stellantis’ equity stake to become the full owner of the facility with the same employment creation target of 2,500 jobs in Windsor and the surrounding region.
- The NextStar Energy project will accelerate Ontario’s Driving Prosperity ― The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector plan to increase competitiveness and help position the province as a leader in the development, commercialization and adoption of advanced manufacturing and mobility technologies.
- The NextStar Energy project also strategically aligns with the government’s Critical Minerals Strategy.
Quotes
“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.” – Mélanie Joly, Federal Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
“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.” – Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines
“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.” – Andrew Dowie, MPP, 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.” – Anthony Leardi, MPP, 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.” – Trevor Jones, MPP, Chatham—Kent—Leamington
“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.” – David Kim, Chief Executive Officer, LG Energy Solution
“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.”– Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor