Niron Magnetics breaks ground to produce sustainable permanent magnets
- Niron Magnetics has begun construction on a new manufacturing facility in Sartell, Minnesota, to produce sustainable permanent magnets.
- The new facility will leverage abundant elements like nitrogen and iron, avoiding the pitfalls of rare earth materials.
- This development positions Niron Magnetics as a key player in reducing reliance on foreign sources for permanent magnets, signaling a shift towards sustainable technology in various industries.
On September 26, 2025, Niron Magnetics, an innovative company based in Minnesota, marked a significant milestone by breaking ground on its new manufacturing facility in Sartell. The facility, with a planned size of 190,000 square feet, aims to produce advanced permanent magnets using nitrogen and iron, which are abundant elements, thereby avoiding the costly and environmentally harmful rare earth materials typically used in magnet production. The site is expected to scale up production to 1,500 tons annually, contributing to the growing demand for sustainable technology solutions in consumer products such as automobiles and electronic devices. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by approximately 300 guests, including notable officials like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Representatives Betty McCollum and Tom Emmer, and other state and local leaders. During the event, Jonathan Rowntree, CEO of Niron Magnetics, expressed optimism about the future of U.S. innovation and emphasized the importance of the new plant in reducing reliance on foreign supply chains, particularly China, which currently dominates permanent magnet production. Rowntree also highlighted the urgency of developing sustainable solutions for the Western market, which is increasingly dependent on permanent magnets across various industries. Notably, Stellantis, a global automaker, has recognized the technology's potential, affirming a partnership to explore the use of Niron’s magnets in their products. The foundation for this breakthrough was laid at the University of Minnesota, where research funded by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2011 identified alternatives to rare earth materials. Niron Magnetics plans to have its first magnets available in early 2026, with full operational capacity of the Sartell facility expected by 2027. The company is also pursuing the development of an even larger facility to cater to the increasing demand for their innovative magnets, underlining its commitment to creating a sustainable future in magnet production.