American Standard Cos. said it will cut its work force by about 1,000 salaried employees in anticipation of continued weak economic conditions ahead.

The company¿s third quarter earnings were about the same as last year¿s, while sales were down 4%.

¿The weakened economy, worsened by the impact of the tragic Sept. 11 events, produced a revenue shortfall, which primarily reflected delays in purchases and installations of commercial air conditioning equipment,¿ Fred Poses, chairman/CEO said in a statement.

Sales of plumbing products for the third quarter ended Sept. 30 were $453 million, up 1% from last year. Segment income of $43 million was up 8%. Margin increased 0.6 percentage points to 9.5%. The improved segment income was attributed to increased sales in U.S. retail markets and improved productivity, especially in Europe.