Niron Magnetics Breaks Ground on Rare-Earth-Free Magnet Plant

Niron Magnetics has broken ground on a 190,000-square-foot, 1,500-ton-per-year permanent magnet manufacturing facility in Sartell, Minnesota, scheduled to begin operations in early 2027.

The plant will mass-produce Iron Nitride magnets that deliver exceptionally high magnetization while eliminating the need for rare-earth elements by relying on abundant iron and nitrogen. That material profile is intended to offer a resilient domestic alternative as geopolitical pressures and rising demand strain global rare-earth supply chains.

Target applications include automotive motors, data-center cooling pumps, robotics, consumer electronics, defense equipment and drones. The facility—sited on the former Verso Paper Mill—will create more than 175 full-time manufacturing, engineering and operations jobs and scale production beyond Niron’s 2024 Minneapolis pilot plant.

Commercial partners and investors sampling pilot outputs include Stellantis, Samsung, Allison Transmission and Magna. Wood is engaged for engineering, procurement and construction management and technical advisory; Ryan Companies serves as general contractor. Company leadership says the project aims to accelerate industrial adoption of a rare-earth-free permanent magnet technology and strengthen U.S. supply-chain independence for critical magnet-dependent sectors.