Itronix lands Army deal for computer hardware

Spokane Valley-based General Dynamics Itronix has landed a joint Army contract that will significantly increase sales of its rugged mobile computers, the company announced on Monday.

In a news release, Itronix said it and Virginia software firm Telos Corp. will work together on a possible 10-year Army contract.

Under a new “umbrella” procurement system, both companies will develop and deliver several thousand handhelds, notebooks and other devices to military offices around the world. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

Itronix will provide the equipment, and Telos the integrated softwaresed by military workers, the release said.

Colfax

Medical manufacturer leaving California

A medical manufacturing company will pull up stakes in California to reopen in Colfax this summer.

Medical Micro Machining Inc., now in Simi Valley, Calif., is relocating to escape the higher costs of doing business in the Golden State, according to a Palouse Economic Development Council news release.

Founded in 1994 by Colfax native Rob Whitmore and his wife Kathy, the company produces small parts for the medical industry as well as electronics and microwave systems.

Medical Micro is under contract with the Department of Defense, rental car companies and others.

“We do everything from low tech handwork to high-tech machining,” Rob Whitmore said in the release.

The company is expected to break ground this week on a 4,500-square-foot manufacturing center in Colfax. A second building with semi-sterile laboratories could be added within the next few years if a contract comes through to make tiny capsules designed to be inserted into people to monitor glucose levels.

The medical product is currently being scrutinized by the FDA.

Whitmore said he might initially hire as many as 10 employees. Jobs would range from assembly and detailed hand work to skilled machinists positions. Operations should be up and running by July.

Coeur d’Alene

Idaho Independent Bank posts earnings increase

Idaho Independent Bank reported a first quarter net income of $2.6 million, a 13 percent increase compared to the first quarter of 2006.

The results, released Monday, amounted to earnings of 43 cents per share, compared to earnings of 39 cents per share during the first quarter of 2006.

The bank has 10 branches.