Most magnets are made from rare-earth elements imported from China, and access to these elements has become a bargaining chip in the U.S. trade war with China. But the magnet supply could become less of a concern, if a Minnesota company is successful in its bid to replace rare-earth magnets.

Niron Magnetics held an official groundbreaking of its new manufacturing plant in Sartell last week. MPR News correspondent Kirsti Marohn joined Minnesota Now to share what she’s learned, as a part of a regular check-in with reporters in Greater Minnesota.