Sartell’s Mayor Highlights 2024 as a Year of Development, Welcoming Niron Magnetics and New Job Opportunities

(KNSI) – Sartell Mayor Ryan Fitzthum delivered the State of the City address to a crowd of chamber members and stated that 2024 will be remembered as a year of development.

The city recently attracted Niron Magnetics, a rare earth-free permanent magnet manufacturer, who plans to build a 150,000-square-foot foot facility, bringing with it at least 175 permanent union jobs collecting paychecks by early 2026, with plans to expand the site. The property is on 67 acres of land east of 4th Avenue South. The property was purchased by Sartell in 2023 as part of the 167-acre Mill District site and Champion Plat, which includes the city’s landfill.

Fitzthum talked with KNSI News after the address and stressed landing the company will help replace many high-paying jobs that disappeared with the loss of the paper mill. “We’ve been searching for what is that next big employer for the city of Sartell, and we believe it’s Niron. Anywhere from 175 up to 700 jobs above the median wage within our region. It’s not only great for Sartell, it’s going to be fantastic for all communities around.”

Over time, he thinks Niron will become the second largest employer in the city, behind the school district. Fitzthum says the papermill helped put Sartell on the map and as he grew up in the city, they would compete with Edina for the highest per-capita income in the state. “It is a big deal for us, not only from a tax base perspective, but I think the true economic impact is within the employees and the jobs that they’re going to drive, not only during construction but also once they’re up and running in the production side of it.”

According to an analysis by St. Cloud State University, the company’s construction and operations will create income and tax revenue. Once operational, the company will contribute $8.7 million in annual tax revenue. The land is being sold for $0 as part of an incentive package offered by Sartell to attract the company. It includes a donation of land, an option for Tax Increment Financing, and waiving some development fees. The State of the City was the first of three listening sessions and one public hearing to allow the community to contribute its two cents. It’s part of a 180-day due diligence period before the deal can be finalized. The second listening session will be held on October 28th from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. before the council meeting, with the public hearing taking place during the meeting.

On a seperate note, CentraCare has made a significant investment in the community with the expansion of its Sauk Crossing medical center and the constriction of the St. Cloud Medical School just across the border. Sartell is also continuing to work on developing the 60-acre mill district, which will become a new downtown area. He expects it will take five to ten years to develop the district completely. Other openings in 2024 include Aldi, Starbucks, Chipotle and Mister Car Wash.

The paper mill was destroyed by an explosion and fire in May 2012. The damage killed one worker and injured four others. The plant never reopened, resulting in the loss of 260 jobs.

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