Servatron Inc., a Spokane Valley-based contract manufacturer, says its gross revenues shot up roughly 40 percent in 2007 and it expects to grow robustly this year, albeit at a slower pace.


The companys gross revenues climbed to more than $32 million last year, from $23 million in 2006, says Tom Vietri, its vice president of sales. Servatrons goal this year is to increase its revenues roughly 25 percent, to $40 million, Vietri says.


The company now has roughly 200 employees, up from 180 at the end of 2006. If it reaches its 2008 sales goals, it likely will hire an additional 20 workers this year, he says.


Servatrons fast-paced growth last year came as orders from current and new customers climbed higher than expected, Vietri says. The company also has been increasing its market share in market areas such as Seattle, Portland, and Utah, he says.


Servatron is gaining a reputation outside of the Spokane and North Idaho area as having technological expertise on wireless products and complex assemblies, Vietri says. Weve found a really good niche.


The company designs and builds prototypes of electronic devices, makes circuit boards, and does product assembly and shipping. It manufactures products for customers across the U.S., particularly in the western part of the country. It also repairs Spokane Valley-based Itron Inc.s utility meter-reading equipment and other companies products.


Last year, Servatron leased additional space in Itrons former headquarters, at 2818 N. Sullivan, to 61,000 square feet, and moved operations there it previously had housed in leased space in the nearby Spokane Business & Industrial Park. The company consolidated its operations to increase efficiency, and the additional space in the Itron building allowed it to add a third surface-mount circuit-board assembly line. That line also contributed to Servatrons growth last year by increasing its capacity, Vietri says.


It allowed us to satisfy the needs of new customers and freed up additional capacity on the two other lines for current customers, he says. Were always evaluating new technology, but as far as surface-mount lines go, were well positioned for the next year.


Servatron, a 2000 spinoff of Itron, is owned by President Tod Byers, Vice President of Quality and Service John Miskulin, and Vice President of Operations Keith Swenson, all former Itron executives.


Contact Emily Proffitt at (509) 344-1265 or via e-mail at emilyp@spokanejournal.com.