SANDPOINT, Idaho (AP) — A Japanese company has bought a northern Idaho company that builds a rugged backcountry aircraft and plans to increase production and hire more workers.

The Spokesman-Review reports in a story on Tuesday that Setouchi Holdings Inc. has acquired Sandpoint-based Quest Aircraft Company. Setouchi Holdings officials say the aircraft company that has 184 employees will remain in Sandpoint. Quest Aircraft each year builds about 30 of the $2 million KODIAK single-engine turboprop airplanes intended to meet the demands of humanitarian aviation.

Quest CEO Sam Hill says the company is looking forward to significant growth in the coming years. Setouchi Holdings is a member of Tsuneishi Group. That's a global entity involved in shipbuilding, transportation and related businesses.

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