Jacuzzi Brands reported its annual net sales were up 11.6% to $1.19 billion for the year ended Sept. 30. The most notable sales increases were in the bath products segment. Sales of Jacuzzi® whirlpool baths increased as a result of the availability of this product line at about 900 Lowe's retail outlets across the country, beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003.
The net loss for fiscal 2003 was $31.1 million vs. net income of $40.9 million last year. The net loss for fiscal 2003 included a loss from discontinued operations of $41.2 million vs. income from discontinued operations of $9 million last year. The Salem, Ohio cast iron manufacturing plant was closed in fiscal 2004. The company said it plans to continue to be a provider of cast iron products, which will be manufactured to its specification and design by third parties. Also, the Plant City, Fla., plant was closed in November 2003.