Niron Magnetics expands policy engagement to accelerate next-generation magnet production
Niron Magnetics, a company focused on developing high-performance permanent magnets made from iron nitride rather than rare earth materials, has announced the opening of a new office in Washington, D.C. The expansion reflects the company’s growing role in national efforts to build secure and independent magnet supply chains, particularly for critical industries such as advanced electronics, electric vehicles, defense technologies, and renewable energy systems. By establishing a presence in the U.S. capital, the company aims to collaborate more directly with policymakers, regulatory bodies, and federal agencies that are shaping the future of domestic manufacturing and technology security.
The timing of this move coincides with increased government attention on reducing reliance on foreign sources for critical components, including permanent magnets that are essential for modern electronic devices and industrial systems. Permanent magnets play a vital role in motors, sensors, data-center infrastructure, robotics, and various high-tech applications. Historically, global magnet production has depended heavily on rare earth materials sourced from limited geographic regions, creating supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical challenges. Niron Magnetics believes its iron nitride technology offers an alternative pathway toward long-term supply stability.
According to company leadership, opening a Washington, D.C. office marks a strategic milestone as its technology approaches large-scale commercial deployment. Mark Schramek, Vice President of Government Affairs, explained that the company has reached a critical turning point where innovation and policy alignment must work together. He noted that the organization’s pilot manufacturing operations demonstrate that rare-earth-free magnets can be produced with competitive performance and reliability, and that engaging directly with federal decision-makers will help accelerate supportive frameworks for domestic manufacturing expansion.
Federal agencies in the United States are increasingly pursuing comprehensive strategies to strengthen critical supply chains. These initiatives include incentives for local manufacturing, investments in advanced materials research, and collaborative partnerships between industry and government. Niron Magnetics intends to contribute to this broader effort by providing a scalable alternative to rare earth-based magnets. Instead of relying on scarce minerals, the company’s approach utilizes iron and nitrogen — elements that are widely available within the United States — potentially enabling a more sustainable and geopolitically resilient production model.
Unlike traditional magnet manufacturing, which often requires complex mining operations and international supply networks, iron nitride technology focuses on domestically abundant resources. This approach not only reduces exposure to supply disruptions but also aligns with environmental and economic goals tied to domestic industrial growth. The company emphasizes that eliminating rare earth dependence could help mitigate price volatility and logistical risks while supporting new opportunities for innovation in electronics manufacturing and electrified transportation systems.
Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Rowntree described the Washington expansion as a significant step toward advancing long-term strategic resilience. He highlighted that while current efforts to build domestic rare earth mining and processing capacity remain important for short-term supply stability, alternative technologies like iron nitride magnets represent the next phase of innovation. By developing materials that do not rely on scarce resources, the company believes it can support a more flexible and scalable magnet ecosystem capable of meeting future demand across multiple sectors.
The new office will serve as a hub for engagement with congressional leaders, federal agencies, and industry organizations focused on strengthening the U.S. manufacturing base. Through closer collaboration, Niron Magnetics aims to help shape policies that encourage investment in next-generation materials and advanced production techniques. These efforts may include participation in discussions surrounding clean energy initiatives, national security strategies, and technology infrastructure programs, all of which increasingly depend on reliable access to high-performance magnetic components.
The expansion also aligns with Niron Magnetics’ broader growth strategy. Over the past several years, the company has accelerated its development timeline, transitioning from research-focused operations toward commercial manufacturing. A major milestone came with the completion of a two-year pilot project conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, which demonstrated the viability of its rare-earth-free magnet technology in practical applications. Building on this progress, the company recently began construction on a permanent magnet manufacturing facility in Sartell, Minnesota, with an initial production capacity of approximately 1,500 tons per year.
Looking ahead, Niron Magnetics plans to scale even further by developing a high-volume manufacturing plant capable of producing up to 10,000 tons annually. Such expansion would position the company as a key domestic supplier for industries ranging from electric mobility and renewable energy to consumer electronics and advanced computing systems. As global demand for efficient motors and power systems continues to grow, reliable magnet supply is becoming increasingly important for maintaining technological competitiveness.
In addition to infrastructure growth, the company is strengthening its government relations capabilities through new leadership appointments. As part of its Washington expansion, Niron Magnetics announced that Luke Sandlin has joined the organization as Director of Government Affairs. Sandlin brings experience in legislative strategy and national security policy, having previously served as a Senior Legislative Assistant to Majority Whip Tom Emmer. His expertise is expected to support the company’s efforts to navigate evolving regulatory landscapes and to advocate for policies that encourage domestic innovation.
Industry analysts view the company’s move into Washington as part of a broader trend among advanced materials firms seeking closer alignment with government initiatives. As supply chain security becomes a central theme in global technology discussions, companies developing alternative materials and manufacturing methods are increasingly positioning themselves as strategic partners to policymakers. Niron Magnetics’ iron nitride solution stands out because it addresses both economic and geopolitical challenges while offering potential performance benefits for emerging applications.
From an electronics industry perspective, the availability of rare-earth-free magnets could have significant implications. Many modern devices — from smartphones and laptops to industrial automation systems — rely on compact, high-efficiency magnetic components. By enabling new supply chain models, innovations like iron nitride technology may influence future product design, manufacturing costs, and sustainability goals. The company believes that collaboration between private industry and government will be essential to unlocking these opportunities at scale.
As the global technology landscape continues to evolve, Niron Magnetics’ expansion into Washington, D.C. underscores the growing intersection between advanced materials innovation and public policy. With increasing demand for electrification, automation, and AI-driven infrastructure, secure access to critical components has become a national priority. Through its rare-earth-free approach and expanding manufacturing capabilities, the company aims to play a leading role in shaping a more resilient and independent magnet ecosystem — one that supports the future of electronics, clean energy, and advanced industrial technologies.
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