Hunter Technology Corp., the Santa Clara, Calif.-based designer and maker of printed-circuit boards that opened a division here last October, has been bought by Ambitech International, of Chatsworth, Calif. The acquisition, however, isnt expected to affect the Spokane operation adversely.


Hunter Technology now is a subsidiary of Ambitech, a high-volume producer of high-end printed-circuit boards, although it will retain the Hunter name, says Randy Chase, manager of Hunters design division here. The contract manufacturer also plans to retain Hunters circuit-board design office here, which is located in the Spokane Valley at 12310 E. Mirabeau Parkway, he says.


Hunter produces prototypes and medium-volume runs of printed-circuit boardstwo services that Ambitech hasnt provided in the past, Chase says. Also, Ambitech never has offered printed-circuit board design services, which Hunter offers both in Santa Clara and in Spokane.


The design services are really Ambitechs big push right now, Chase says.


Ambitech President and CEO Jim Janda says, The addition of Hunter is a key element in Ambitechs long-term growth strategy.


The acquisition should increase the Spokane offices workload, Chase says.


Hunters office here still employs just two workers, including Chase, but he says that he expects to add two more workers in the next month. Hunter expects to hire at least 10 additional printed-circuit board designers companywide, which would give it 20 overall, he says.