American Computer Development Inc., the largest electronics manufacturing services firm in Maryland that specializes in assembling printed circuit boards, decided to expand its operations by opening another facility in February in Nashville. The company acquired the former Fawn Electronics building and set up shop in the 50,000-square-
foot space.

The company offers electronic manufacturing services including design, parts procurement, assembly and electronic testing, its website states. It also provides contract engineering and manufacturing solutions for original equipment manufacturers and U.S. government agencies.

It has customers in industrial and commercial industries, wired and wireless networking, medical industries and government defense and security.

Kim Boykin, general manager of the Nashville facility, previously had worked for Fawn Electronics as vice president of operations.

Q: What products or services do you provide?

A: We are an electronic manufacturing service provider, known as an EMS.

We produce printed circuit boards and electromechical assemblies that go to many different end customers. We also offer design services.

We have customers in industries such as office business equipment, medical, nuclear, industrial control, energy management and some transportation.

We ship products primarily in the Eastern United States, but have also shipped to Mexico, Brazil, China, Belgium and the Netherlands.

We manufacture not just printed circuit board assemblies, but electromechanical assemblies as well. An example would be power distribution units for copier machines.

Additionally, we offer final assembly integration. An example would involve combining a printed wire board assembly and an electromechanical assembly together into an enclosure. For example, we build a medical infusion pump that includes over 20 harnesses, multiple printed wire boards, assembled together, calibrated, and shipped to the end customer.

Q: Who are your key leaders?

A: Company owner Bill Hornbaker, Chief Financial Officer Mike Kish and Kim Boykin, general manager of the Nashville facility.

Q: How many people do you employ?

A: 60.

Q: What is your business philosophy?

A: Our quality mission statement is: To meet our customer’s requirements and exceed their expectations with personalized service and the highest level of customer responsiveness, while continually improving our processes, capabilities and performance.

Q: When were you established?

A: The company was founded in 1984. On Feb. 7, it acquired Fawn Electronics in Nashville, which is our manufacturing group in North Carolina. Our home office is in Frederick, Md.

Q: What makes your business unique?

A: What makes us unique would be our vertical integration capabilities. Many companies build printed circuit boards, and other companies specialize in harnesses. We offer both, including design services. Additionally, we have the capability to combine both for final assembly integration.

Q: What changes do you expect for your company in coming years?

A: We expect to expand. Currently, we have about 60 employees in a single-shift operation. The plan would be to significantly grow and expand our national operation. In addition to growing sales, we anticipate transitioning work from the Maryland operation to North Carolina.

Q: Why did you choose Nashville as a place to do business?

A: Geographically, the location is strategically located along the Eastern Seaboard and also is near Research Triangle Park.

Q: How has business grown in the last several years?

A: It’s been a challenge. We did experience a downturn in 2009-2010 like many other businesses. We feel confident we can grow and expand. We now have two manufacturing locations, which offers added benefit for our customers. Additionally, having design capability within the company is an advantage that our previous company did not offer. I anticipate the owner will continue to grow the company, not just here but perhaps expand with further acquisitions in time.