ASPINA and Niron Magnetics Launch Collaboration on Next-Generation Motors Using Rare-Earth-Free Magnets

ASPINA (Sinano Kenshi Co., Ltd., headquarters: Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture / President & CEO: Yukihiko Kaneko, hereinafter "ASPINA") announces that it has entered into a supply agreement with Niron Magnetics (headquarters: Minnesota, USA / CEO: Jonathan Rowntree, hereinafter "Niron") for motor solutions utilizing rare-earth-free iron nitride magnets.

ASPINA-manufactured brushless DC motor using Niron's rare-earth-free iron nitride magnet (green section)

Under this agreement, ASPINA will leverage Niron's high-performance iron nitride magnet technology to advance the development of next-generation motors for a wide range of applications, including automotive, industrial equipment, consumer products, and even space-related fields.

In recent years, motor demand has expanded globally due to increasing automation, electrification, and environmental concerns. At the same time, concerns over supply risks and price volatility of rare-earth materials used in conventional permanent magnets have become increasingly apparent.

Against this backdrop, this collaboration aims to reduce procurement risks and build a sustainable supply chain by utilizing materials that do not depend on rare earths.

By combining ASPINA’s long-standing expertise in precision motor design and application technologies with Niron’s proprietary magnet technology,

the partnership seeks to create new motor solutions that are highly efficient and reliable.

The agreement focuses on various high-power consumer brushless DC motors, automotive blowers, HVAC damper valve motors, and hybrid stepping motors for applications in space, automotive, consumer electronics, and automation industries—areas where performance, reliability, and material procurement are critically important.

ASPINA has long provided diverse motor solutions in global markets. Through this collaboration, the company will enhance its ability to deliver robust solutions with greater design flexibility, adapting to evolving market conditions.

Comment from Jonathan Rowntree, CEO of Niron:

"Collaborating with ASPINA, a globally recognized leader in precision motors, is a significant step forward. This initiative will expand the application scope of our iron nitride magnet technology and contribute to solving the challenges associated with rare-earth dependency."

Comment from Yukihiko Kaneko, President & CEO of ASPINA:

"We have worked to solve customer challenges based on motor technologies developed across diverse markets. Through our collaboration with Niron’s rare-earth-free magnet technology, we believe we can further enhance design flexibility and deliver products that combine stable supply with high performance."

Efforts under this agreement have already commenced, and discussions toward mass production of rare-earth-free motors are underway. Amid growing interest in securing stable magnet supplies for critical applications, this collaboration aims to contribute to building long-term supply systems.

About Niron Magnetics:

Niron Magnetics is the world’s only company manufacturing high-performance permanent magnets that contain no rare-earth elements. Its magnets are expected to serve as a replacement technology for conventional rare-earth magnets across various applications, including industrial equipment, automotive systems, consumer electronics, and defense. Through its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Minnesota, Niron supplies reliable permanent magnets to major U.S. manufacturers requiring high reliability.

Company website: https://www.nironmagnetics.com/

About ASPINA Sinano Kenshi Co., Ltd.:

ASPINA (Sinano Kenshi Co., Ltd.) was founded in 1918 and operates under the corporate philosophy of "shaping hope and comfort for people worldwide and contributing to a sustainable society." The company develops, manufactures, and sells precision motors, actuators, and robotics products. Leveraging its global presence and stable supply chain, ASPINA contributes to solving customer challenges across diverse fields such as infrastructure, home appliances, automotive, and medical industries.

Inquiries (for media)

Public Relations Contact:

Keishi Terada, Public Relations ASPINA Sinano Kenshi Co., Ltd.

1078 Kamimaruko, Ueda City, Nagano 386-0498

Tel: 090-2526-5161 Email: [email protected]

Product Inquiries (for specific products and technologies)

Inquiries about motors and related products | ASPINA