Element Materials Technology

Element Materials Technology is a global provider of testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) services. The company specializes in laboratory-based testing, supporting customers from early research and development through complex regulatory approvals and into production. Element's focus is on ensuring product safety and sustainability across technically demanding and highly regulated sectors. The company's services span a wide range of industries, including aerospace, defense, connected technologies, life sciences, and materials testing.

Element's global network comprises over 270 laboratories across 30 countries, staffed by approximately 9,000 scientists, engineers, and technologists. The company's expertise extends to various areas such as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radio and wireless testing, specific absorption rate (SAR) testing, and product qualification and certification. In December 2023, Element invested USUSD 10 million in a new 25,000 sq ft connected technologies laboratory in Guildford, Surrey, to enhance its testing capabilities for consumer electronics and support faster market access for its clients in Europe.

In September 2022, Element acquired National Technical Systems (NTS), a leading provider of qualification testing, inspection, and certification services in North America. This acquisition strengthened Element's presence in North America and expanded its capabilities in telecommunications, connected automotive, medical device, and battery testing. As of July 2022, Element generated annual revenues of more than USD 1 billion and had been growing at over 20% per year for the previous decade.

Element has also made investments in hydrogen testing equipment to meet increasing demand from customers exploring the use of hydrogen. These capabilities serve the UK and European market, allowing for the assessment of hydrogen infrastructure and storage systems under different temperatures and pressures.

In July 2022, Element was acquired by Temasek, a global investor headquartered in Singapore, which had been a minority shareholder in the company since 2019. This acquisition marked a new chapter in Element's growth strategy, with plans to focus on high-growth end-markets such as life sciences and connected technologies.

Key customers and partnerships

Element serves over 50,000 customers worldwide, working with companies at the forefront of innovation. Its client base includes those developing next-generation aircraft, spacecraft, and autonomous vehicles, as well as companies in the pharmaceutical industry for vaccine component testing. Element also provides services for the certification of smartphones and wearable technologies, 5G carrier approvals, and the development of connected robots.

The company has collaborated with leading global technology manufacturers to support their product development and market access. In November 2023, Element announced plans to hire 1,000 people over the following two years to meet the growing demand for its combined services with NTS.