Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 29, On September 26, 2025, Niron Magnetics broke ground on a new 190,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Sartell, Minnesota, designed to produce 1,500 tons of permanent magnets annually. The plant, set to be operational by early 2027, will create over 175 full-time jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and operations, revitalizing the former Verso Paper Mill site, a designated coal community property.

After nearly a decade of collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and the University of Minnesota, Niron Magnetics has developed a new magnet material using iron nitride. “We’re proud to scale this homegrown technology in the heart of the industrial Midwest, and excited to make this community central to America’s supply chain independence,” said Niron CEO Jonathan Rowntree. Unlike traditional magnets, Niron’s product relies on abundant elements like iron and nitrogen, eliminating the need for rare earth materials, which face increasing global supply chain pressures.

The facility will produce rare-earth-free permanent magnets for applications such as data center cooling pumps, automobile motors, robotics, consumer electronics, and defense equipment. These magnets offer high magnetization, supporting critical industries. Companies like Stellantis, Samsung, Allison Transmission, and Magna are already testing products from Niron’s pilot facility in Minneapolis, which opened in 2024.

“Permanent magnets are an essential part of modern vehicles, the heart of the performance for everything from powertrains and cooling systems to seat motors and speakers. We are committed to offering the freedom of choice to our customers and the integration of these magnets is critical to that mission,” said Sinisa Jurkovic, Stellantis VP of propulsion systems engineering. “We’ve been working with Niron since 2023 to unlock next-generation motor performance, and iron nitride technology is helping us engineer and deliver vehicles with best-in-class capabilities.”

The Sartell plant, supported by a $52.2 million tax credit from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Section 48C program, will enhance domestic production of sustainable magnets, reducing reliance on imported materials. The project, located on 79 acres of public land purchased from the city, aligns with Sartell’s vision for economic renewal. “Niron Magnetics’ decision to build their cutting-edge permanent magnet facility in Sartell is fueling innovation and creating new job opportunities in Minnesota,” said Sartell Mayor Ryan Fitzthum. The initiative is expected to generate a $60 million annual economic impact for the region, marking the largest private investment in Sartell since the 1980s.