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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Fast-Growing Packet Engines Intends To Keep Expanding

Headquartered in the Valley, Packet Engines Inc. celebrated its first Spokane anniversary this month.

The computer networking systems company began its operations in Union City, Calif., in January 1994 and moved to Spokane last December.

Recently, the company consolidated its facilities to a new and larger building at 11707 E. Sprague.

To commemorate the anniversary, Packet Engines founder Bernard Daines, a Spokane native, hosted a luncheon for Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce directors and members, County Commissioner-elect Kate McCaslin, and many local business owners.

Currently, Packet Engines employs 50 people. But within the next three to five years, Daines said the company plans to employ between 200 and 300 people in the area.

“That growth is dependent upon Packet Engines expanding into hardware production, which is planned within that time frame,” said Daines.

Packet Engines develops technology to help high-speed computer networks carry more information faster than is currently possible. The company’s focus is on gigabit ethernet, a technology that moves information through computer networks at the rate of 1 billion bits per second.

Helping families in need

By purchasing a home at Autumn Crest, Dhaenens Square, Evergreen Point or Parkside this month through the Tomlinson Black Valley real estate agency, homebuyers can help families in need.

For each home sold in December, Tomlinson, along with Smith Signature Homes, Finch Family Homes and Landreth Construction, will donate $30 to Spokane’s Ronald McDonald.

Last year, more than 575 families from Eastern Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, 1015 W. Fifth, which provides a homeaway-from-home for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.

, DataTimes