Womer & Associates Inc., an architectural and engineering company here, has bought the assets of longtime Spokane structural engineering company Atwood-Hinzman Inc.


Womer & Associates, which continues to operate under its name, is moving its operations into the former Atwood-Hinzman building, at 1819 E. Springfield, in East Spokane, from its current quarters a few blocks away at 723 N. Crestline, says Bob Smith, the companys vice president. The company expects to complete that move later this fall, he says.


Womer currently employs 32 people and is looking to hire two others in the coming weeks, Smith says. Prior to the acquisition, Womer employed about 25 people, and Atwood-Hinzman had eight workers.


Smith says Womer & Associates decided to buy Atwood-Hinzmans assets after being approached by the latter companys co-founder, Richard Atwood, who wants to retire.


Were often needing additional structural services, so this blends in well, Smith says. This beefs up our structural element substantially and gives us the ability to serve our clients better.


He declines to disclose the terms of the acquisition or the companies annual revenues.


Atwood and Chuck Hinzman started Atwood-Hinzman in 1969. Smith says Atwood plans to retire soon, but in retirement will serve on Womers board. Hinzman now is working at Womer, Smith says.


Womer was founded in 1992. The companys services include architecture, construction management, and a variety of types of engineering, including civil, electrical, mechanical, structural, and environmental.


Nima Motahari, Womers marketing manager, says the company handles architectural and engineering services for a variety of types of projects. Recent projects range from an expansion at the Northern Quest Casino, in Airway Heights, to three new road extensions at Spokane International Airport.