Niron Magnetics Opens Washington, D.C. Office to Advance Permanent Magnet Supply Chain Independence

The company manufacturing rare-earth-free permanent magnets aims to partner with federal government on securing domestic magnet production.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Niron Magnetics, a company that produces high-performance Iron Nitride permanent magnets without using rare earth elements, has announced the opening of a new office in Washington, D.C. The move is aimed at working more closely with the federal government to reduce America's dependence on foreign permanent magnets and secure domestic supply chains for critical applications like motor vehicles, defense systems, and consumer electronics.

Why it matters

Niron Magnetics' rare-earth-free magnet technology aligns with the federal government's growing urgency around ensuring domestic permanent magnet security. By establishing a presence in D.C., the company can engage directly with policymakers to support initiatives and incentives that will enable large-scale domestic manufacturing of permanent magnets, a key component in many essential products.

The details

Unlike traditional approaches focused on domestic rare earth mining, Niron Magnetics' Iron Nitride magnets eliminate dependence on scarce rare earth elements by utilizing domestically abundant iron and nitrogen. This offers unlimited scalability free from geological and geopolitical constraints. The company recently completed a pilot project with the U.S. Department of Energy and is now moving forward with plans to build a 1,500-ton-per-year permanent magnet manufacturing plant in Sartell, Minnesota, as well as a 10,000-ton high-volume facility.

  • In late 2024, Niron Magnetics completed a two-year pilot project with the U.S. Department of Energy.
  • Last year, the company broke ground on a 1,500-ton-per-year permanent magnet manufacturing plant in Sartell, Minnesota.
  • Niron Magnetics is also moving forward with plans to build its first 10,000-ton high-volume manufacturing plant.

The players

Niron Magnetics

A company that manufactures high-performance Iron Nitride permanent magnets made without rare earths.

Mark Schramek

VP of Government Affairs at Niron Magnetics.

Jonathan Rowntree

CEO of Niron Magnetics.

Luke Sandlin

Former Senior Legislative Assistant to Majority Whip Tom Emmer, who has joined Niron Magnetics as Director of Government Affairs.

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What they’re saying

“We've reached an inflection point where our rare earth magnet technology is ready for large-scale deployment, perfectly aligned with Washington's growing urgency around domestic permanent magnet security.”

— Mark Schramek, VP, Government Affairs (businesswire.com)

“The establishment of our Washington office is the next crucial step in our mission to advance America's magnet supply chain independence.”

— Jonathan Rowntree, CEO (businesswire.com)

What’s next

Niron Magnetics plans to continue working closely with congressional leaders and federal agencies to support initiatives and policies that will enable large-scale domestic manufacturing of permanent magnets.

The takeaway

Niron Magnetics' rare-earth-free magnet technology and its new Washington, D.C. office position the company as a key partner in the federal government's efforts to secure domestic permanent magnet supply chains, reducing America's reliance on foreign sources and ensuring the availability of this critical component for a wide range of essential products.