SCBIZ Daily Staff

ANDERSON COUNTY -- Life Stone Materials LLC expects to invest $5.5 million and create 45 new jobs as it locates a manufacturing facility in Anderson County.

The company will weave fabrics used in high-performance, protective technologies, including state-of-the-art ballistic solutions for the U.S. military, federal agencies and state and local law enforcement.  The facility is expected to be fully operational sometime in the second quarter of 2008.

“We are optimistic that the knowledge brought to this venture will enable Life Stone Materials to become a global player in protective materials,” said Craig Trask, production manager of Life Stone Materials. “South Carolina provides our company with the skilled work force and capabilities necessary to meet our manufacturing goals and provide our customers with the quality products they demand. We look forward to a strong and lasting relationship with the Palmetto State.”

S.C. Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor said a team of local and state officials helped bring the company to South Carolina.

“Life Stone Materials provides high-quality, advanced fabrics for a range of applications including life-saving technologies. We are pleased that Life Stone Materials has chosen to locate its operations in Anderson County,” Taylor said.

Life Stone Materials LLC is a joint venture by Point Blank Solutions Inc. and FMS Enterprises Migun Ltd.  The company will produce fabrics for both companies in a collaborative research and development effort. 

“We are pleased to welcome Life Stone Materials to Anderson County and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship. Our area’s leadership is dedicated to fostering the conditions for economic growth and improving the quality of life in Anderson County,” said Heather Simmons-Jones, executive director of the Anderson County Office of Economic Development.