Windsor, Ontario – May 8, 2025 — NextStar Energy, the joint venture driving one of Canada’s most ambitious clean tech projects, has reached a major construction milestone: 8 million safe work hours without a single lost-time injury. The feat comes as construction nears completion at the sprawling 4.23-million-square-foot battery production facility in Windsor, Ontario.
Since breaking ground in 2022, the future-forward project has seen over 9,000 Canadian tradespeople contribute to what will become the country’s first large-scale domestic battery manufacturing plant. The milestone was celebrated this week on-site by NextStar executives, construction partner Alberici-Barton Malow (A-BM), and representatives from Ontario’s construction trades.
“This achievement isn’t just a number — it’s a reflection of the dedication, skill, and safety-first mindset of thousands of people working toward a shared vision,” said Danies Lee, CEO of NextStar Energy. “Our partners and tradespeople have set a new bar for excellence and collaboration in Canadian manufacturing.”
Construction has progressed rapidly, with structural work now largely complete and teams currently focused on installing high-tech equipment. Battery module production began in fall 2024, and cell production is expected to launch later this year, positioning Canada as a key player in the global EV battery supply chain.
Sean Thibeault, Project Director at A-BM, emphasized the importance of safety as a guiding principle throughout the build. “Eight million safe work hours isn’t just impressive — it’s a testament to the commitment from every team member on-site. Our focus on safety culture has never wavered.”
Industry leaders echoed that sentiment. Marc Arsenault, business manager of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, lauded the project’s workforce: “The dedication to safety on this site has been nothing short of exemplary. Every worker deserves to go home safe, and this milestone proves that’s not just possible — it’s expected.”
NextStar Energy has already onboarded more than 800 employees, with that number expected to rise as production scales. Once fully operational, the plant is set to become a cornerstone of Canada’s clean energy future, supplying advanced battery technology to automotive manufacturers across North America.
Powering the Future: NextStar Energy’s Vision for Canadian EV Manufacturing
Since autumn 2024, NextStar Energy has been manufacturing battery modules at its state-of-the-art facility in Windsor, Ontario, with plans to begin cell production by the end of this year. Once fully operational, the site will stand as Canada’s first large-scale EV battery manufacturing plant, marking a significant step forward in building a homegrown battery supply chain.
The company has already onboarded over 800 employees, with recruitment efforts continuing as operations scale up.
Founded as a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Stellantis, NextStar Energy is more than just a manufacturing plant — it represents a bold investment in sustainable innovation and clean mobility. With a mission to develop efficient, next-generation energy storage solutions, the company aims to be a cornerstone of Canada’s electric vehicle ecosystem.
