• NextStar Energy is building a team where innovation and people grow together.
• Preparing for full-scale production through technology and training

In 2022, LG Energy Solution and Stellantis teamed up to create NextStar Energy to power the future of electromobility. Fast forward 3 years, and the joint venture’s facility in Windsor, Ontario, Canada is welcoming its 1,000th member – a landmark achievement fueled by continuous growth, a commitment to local job creation, and a dedication to building a workplace where talent thrives.

Over the past year, NextStar Energy has ramped up hiring as its operations take shape. The company’s 1,000th employee, Damien Rukundo, a recent St. Clair College graduate hired as a quality inspector, is one of 34 employees who recently joined the company.

Damien, originally from Ottawa, applied for a position at NextStar Energy because of its unique culture and rapid growth. Despite being far from family, he quickly felt at home and is eager to apply his skills and grow with the company.

“Being the 1,000th employee is a truly unique experience,” said Damien. “I was immediately drawn to NextStar’s welcoming culture, and I’m excited to realize my potential here. I see a bright future at NextStar Energy and am truly grateful for this opportunity.”

“I am both proud and deeply impressed by the team we’re building and the unique culture we’re cultivating here at NextStar Energy,” said Danies Lee, CEO of NextStar Energy. “Windsor is home to exceptional talent and expertise, and our incredible NextStar Energy family showcases that every day.”

Founded to push innovation into new frontiers as Canada’s first large-scale battery manufacturing facility, NextStar Energy provides specialized training for employees entering the rapidly evolving sector. Its flagship program, Battery Boost, was developed in partnership with Invest WindsorEssex and funded by Canada’s national workforce development organization, Upskill Canada. This unique program teaches skills for high-growth industries by delivering advanced virtual reality simulations, preparing technicians for real-world operations from day one.

“The training programs offered by NextStar Energy are unlike anything else in the industry,” said Ed Novacco, Director of Human Resources for NextStar Energy. “They’re immersive, hands-on programs tailored for each area of production, empowering our employees to become specialized experts in the most state-of-the-art battery manufacturing technology.”

The construction of NextStar Energy’s 392,980㎡ (4,230,000 ft²) facility is officially complete, with the company announcing it received its Occupancy Permit on September 30. While battery module assembly began in Fall 2024, electrode and cell production are still in the sample phase. But that’s set to change in the coming months as the company plans to accelerate mass production.

+ To stay up to date with the latest news from LG Energy Solution, click “Subscribe.”