A Binghamton engineering firm based on Court Street has changed hands, but its 50-plus employees aren’t going anywhere.

HUNT Engineers, headquartered in Horseheads, recently acquired Shumaker Consulting Engineering and Land Surveying, which has been located in Binghamton for nearly 65 years.

Between them, the companies have designed numerous school projects, roads and bridges, construction projects and water infrastructure programs across the region for decades.

Here’s what you need to know about the deal.

Why did HUNT acquire Shumaker?

HUNT was founded in Corning in the wake of the Flood of 1972. The company moved its headquarters to Horseheads in 2000 and over the years has opened offices in Rochester and Towanda, Pennsylvania. The acquisition of Shumaker expands the company’s footprint in northern Pennsylvania and New York with a presence in the Broome County area supplemented by Shumaker’s Albany office.

Christopher Bond, HUNT’s President and CEO, said adding HUNT’s expertise to Shumaker “broadens the depth” of both companies and will allow Shumaker to expand its services to clients.

“On a lot of projects they had some level of involvement but maybe weren’t the prime on them. I think the combined firm has the opportunity to be much more involved as the prime consultant providing all the services for a project,” said Bond. “We’re looking for their strong connection to the Binghamton area, along with some of the additional services we provide, making us a really strong player in that market.”

Pennsylvania company expands to Waverly:What to know about business creating jobs in NY

What is the impact on local employment?

Since 1992 Shumaker has been led by President Linda Shumaker, whose father Vernon Shumaker founded the firm in 1956. The company grew to a staff of more than 50 employees, including transportation engineers, water resource engineers, civil engineers, environmental engineers and scientists, land surveyors and technical design specialists.

That team will remain in place under HUNT management, Bond said, and the Binghamton office may even expand as the operation adds more services to its portfolio.

“We’re looking to really strengthen what we can offer in Binghamton, as well as have stronger opportunities for both of us in the whole upstate New York and Northern Tier region of Pennsylvania,” said Bond.

While Shumaker is now officially part of the HUNT team, Bond said the Binghamton office will maintain references to Shumaker “to recognize the legacy” of the company. Linda Shumaker has been part of the firm since 1978.

"This acquisition by HUNT will start a new chapter in the careers for all the current loyal Shumaker employees, some of which have been with the firm for over 30 years," said Shumaker.

"Shumaker’s familiarity and close working relationship with HUNT for over two decades will provide a seamless transition for the staff of both firms to continue to provide the exceptional service our clients have come to expect from each firm over the last 50-plus years."

The Shumaker acquisition raised HUNT’s employee count to around 200.

More:Corning company expands to Broome County; here's what's new on the Vestal Parkway

Development:What's under construction in Broome County?

What services are offered by the firm?

HUNT is a full-service architectural firm that offers architecture, mechanical, electrical and structural engineering, landscape architecture, site design, IT design and interior design. The company has designed county office buildings, school improvements, bridge and highway projects, water systems and housing developments, among other projects.

Shumaker offers similar services. Some of its high-profile projects include the Court Street Gateway in Binghamton, the Vestal Rail Trail, and Binghamton University’s Pharmacy School and Innovative Technology Center. HUNT and Shumaker have worked together on projects in the past, a familiarity that is expected to ease the transition for the companies.

Bond said roughly 85% of HUNT’s workload comes from repeat clients.

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: HUNT Engineers of Horseheads acquires Binghamton firm Schumaker