NextStar Energy starts mass production of lithium-ion battery cells

Employee at NextStar Energy battery manufacturing facility in Windsor, Ont. (Source: NextStar)

NextStar Energy announced on Tuesday that it has officially started mass production at its battery manufacturing facility in Windsor.

The company said the start of production of lithium ion phosphate (LFP) battery cells follows a successful commissioning phase of its equipment and processes.

Battery cells produced at NextStar Energy follow a precise, sequential manufacturing process, according to a news release.

“Quality and safety are at the core of everything we do,” said Brett Hillock, Chief Operating Officer at NextStar Energy. “Our team is well prepared for this moment, and we’re working very closely with our partners to ensure that NextStar Energy is consistently delivering the highest quality product possible, and that Windsor is at the forefront of innovative battery manufacturing.”

The milestone comes after three years of construction on the 4.23 million-square-foot facility on Banwell Road. NextStar said over 9,000 Canadian trades workers have contributed more than 8.4-million work hours so far.

NextStar received its occupancy permit in September, marking the official end of the construction phase, and the start of industrialization.

NextStar Energy also recently announced its expansion into cell production for Energy Storage Systems (ESS) to meet a growing demand. The company says the ESS market is rapidly expanding and is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. LFP battery cells are being manufactured for NextStar Energy’s joint venture partner LG Energy Solution.

Over 1100 employees work at the NextStar plant.