• NextStar Energy reaches 8 million safe work hours at its major construction site.
• Through workers’ dedication, the company’s ongoing commitment to safety guides monumental project to completion.

Safety isn’t just a priority—it’s the foundation of everything NextStar Energy does. The joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Stellantis in Windsor recently surpassed 8 million safe work hours without a single injury-related delay.

NextStar Energy is also marking the construction of Canada’s first large-scale EV battery plant, with the expansive facility set to play a key role in supporting the nation’s EV transition and meeting the growing demand for vehicle production.

The construction of the 392,980㎡ (4,230,000 ft²) facility, which began in 2022, is progressing at an impressive pace. With the project now nearing completion, focus has shifted to the installation of cutting-edge equipment.

A special event was held on May 8 to commemorate the achievement, hosted by construction partner Alberici-Barton Malow (A-BM) to celebrate local tradespeople and employees that have been pivotal to its success. This remarkable milestone, which reiterates that the project has not a single lost-time injury recorded (LTIR) since it began, is a direct reflection of the uncompromising dedication and care of everyone involved.

“This milestone is about more than just work hours,” said Danies Lee, CEO of NextStar Energy. “It’s a testament to the dedication, effort and teamwork of thousands of individuals in realizing an ambitious goal. I am incredibly grateful to our partners for setting such a high standard of excellence and for their ongoing commitment to NextStar Energy’s success.”

More than 9,000 skilled trades workers from across Canada have contributed to this remarkable safety record, equivalent to roughly 913 years of collective work. Since the project’s inception, there has not been a single lost-time injury, highlighting safety as a fundamental pillar of day-to-day operations.

“This safety milestone is a remarkable achievement. It reflects not only the immense scale of this project, but also A-BM’s steadfast dedication to maintaining a safety-first culture,” said Sean Thibeault, Project Director at A-BM. “I’m truly proud of the highly skilled tradespeople, the A-BM team, and subcontractor partners for their strong commitment to upholding our core safety principles.”

“On behalf of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, I extend my congratulations to everyone involved in the NextStar Energy project for 8 million safe work hours, an achievement that must not be underestimated,” said Marc Arsenault, Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer. “Prioritizing the safety of workers is an ongoing commitment and ensuring everyone returns home safely at the end of each day remains our shared responsibility.”

The achievement of 8 million safe hours was made possible by the tireless dedication and efforts of everyone involved. As the project nears completion, the company’s strong commitment to safety will continue to guide the way.

As NextStar Energy celebrates its perfect record, the expansion of its operations is accelerating. Once fully operational, this plant will become Canada’s first-ever large-scale domestic battery manufacturing facility, already employing more than 800 people.

“Operations are advancing according to plan,” said Joe Araujo, Chief Operating Officer of NextStar, in a statement to CBC News. “By the end of 2025, we’ll have everything in place to run.”

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