Element Materials Technology (Element), a leader in materials and product qualification testing, announced plans to open new operations in Anderson County. The company's $3.4 million investment is projected to create 31 new jobs.

Element specializes in providing services to more than 40,000 customers in the global aerospace; transportation; fire and building products; oil and gas; and infrastructure sectors. Element's expanded network of 6,700 engaged experts operate out of 188 laboratories in 32 countries.

Located at 1370 Shiloh Church Road in Piedmont, S.C., the company's new 30,000-square-foot facility is projected to come online in December 2018.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $200,000 Set Aside grant to Anderson County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

"This significant investment is a real win-win for Element and for the local community," said Charles Noall, Element president and CEO. "The facility will strengthen our footprint, capacity, and capabilities and enable us to deliver cost savings for our clients, while also boosting the local economy through the creation of 31 jobs over the next five years."