NextStar Energy announced last month that it has received an occupancy permit for its Windsor battery manufacturing plant.

The milestone marks the official completion of construction on the facility, and brings NextStar one step closer to ramping up operations at its cell manufacturing facility this year.

“This achievement is the direct result of a shared vision, effective partnership, and incredible hard work of everyone involved,” said CEO Danies Lee. “As we transition from construction to operations, I am deeply grateful for the collaboration between our partner companies LG Energy Solution and Stellantis, our construction partner Alberici-Barton Malow, the City of Windsor, the provincial and federal governments, and all who have supported our project to be completed safely and on schedule.”

The facility is a state-of-the-art battery manufacturing plant that is capable of an annual production capacity of up to 49.5 gigawatt hours. Core operations include electrode production, cell formation and assembly, and module assembly. NSE has hired over 950 full-time employees to date and has committed to creating 2,500 local jobs.

“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 for Windsor and Essex County,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.

Construction of the 4.23 million-square-foot site began in 2022 and progressed rapidly. More than 9,000 Canadian trades workers contributed over 8.4 million work hours to bring the project to life.

Today, the site is home to 11 buildings: two main manufacturing facilities – cell and module – and nine support buildings, including a recycling centre and safety testing laboratory.

While minor construction activities continue in non-operational areas, NextStar says the facility itself is fully approved for safe occupancy and ready for production.