U.S. Industries, manufacturer of bath and plumbing products including such brands as Jacuzzi, Zurn, Eljer and Sundance Spas, reported a 12% increase in sales for the bath & plumbing segment for the first quarter ended Dec. 31.
More than half of the sales increase was achieved through strong sales and marketing efforts for Jacuzzi and Sundance Spas, which caused higher demand domestically for spas, fueled by the early release of the 2003 spa product line, the company said.
Sales at Zurn rose 7%, largely attributed to continued expansion of its product offerings and market share.
The company's United Kingdom bath and sinks businesses also saw sales rise.
Operating income in the bath & plumbing segment increased by 8% vs. the same period last year, primarily due to higher sales. This was partially offset by other expenses, including the one-time costs incurred in the consolidation of several whirlpool bath manufacturing facilities into a new plant in Chino, Calif., that opened in the first quarter of 2003.
