HOUSTON, July 13 (Argus) - American magnet producer Niron Magnetics has signed a supply agreement with Japanese electrical machinery manufacturer Aspina to develop motor solutions that do not require rare earth elements.
Niron stated on Monday that the two companies will use Niron's iron nitride permanent magnets to develop motor technology for applications in DC brushless motors, hybrid stepping motors, and centrifugal fan blowers in space, automobiles, consumer electronics, and automation.
This partnership combines Aspina's expertise in precise motor design with Niron's magnet platform to reduce reliance on rare earth materials and address supply chain concentration risks. It added that the project is underway and a path to large-scale production has been established.
Niron produces non-rare earth permanent magnets at its factory in Minnesota and is building its first full-scale production facility in Sartell, Minnesota, which is scheduled to start operations in 2027. The U.S. Department of Energy granted the company a $52 million tax credit in January 2025 to support the construction of this facility.
The facility's design capacity is to produce 1,500 metric tons of magnets per year.
In October 2025, Niron collaborated with automaker Stellantis on non-rare earth motor design and raised $33 million from investors such as General Motors and Stellantis in 2023.
Aspina produces precision motors and drivers for infrastructure, consumer electronics, automobiles, and the medical industry.
