MP Materials, spotlighted in The Wall Street Journal, secured deals with DoD and Apple to boost rare earth magnet production, bolstering Fort Worth’s advanced manufacturing legacy.
By Katie McConnell, Associate | July 21, 2025
Fort Worth’s MP Materials is reshaping the rare earth mineral industry with last week’s announcement of two catalytic deals with the U.S. Department of Defense and Apple. Rare earth magnets, critical components in everything from iPhones to defense technology, are 90% controlled by China, and MP’s Fort Worth manufacturing facility is a key lynchpin in shoring up domestic production of these magnets that power essential commercial and defense technology, countering China’s market control.
But the story is bigger than one company. Fort Worth’s appearance in the Wall Street Journal underscores the city’s continued influence as a center of advanced manufacturing. The products made in Fort Worth have strategic significance on a national and international stage, affecting economic and political life across the world. This is not a new story for Fort Worth. This is legacy. From the early production of bomber aircraft by Lockheed Martin during the 1940s to today’s rare earth magnets, Fort Worth has built nearly 100 years of essential technologies with measurable impact on national and international affairs.
To read more…
Pentagon to Take Stake in Rare-Earth Company, Challenging China’s Control (WSJ)
Apple Commits $500 Million for Rare-Earth Magnets From U.S. Supplier (WSJ)
America’s Biggest Rare-Earth Producer Makes a Play to End China’s Dominance (WSJ)
DOD Looks to Establish ‘Mine-to-Magnet’ Supply Chain for Rare Earth Materials (DOD)
Apple, MP Materials to Build Texas Facility (Bloomberg)
—
Katie McConnell, Associate | Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership
The Fort Worth EDP works directly with companies, site selection consultants, and corporate real estate professionals who are interested in moving or expanding to Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to learn more about Fort Worth, please schedule a meeting with us or check out our Why Fort Worth page.
