Superior Industries International said its second-quarter profit...

Superior Industries International said its second-quarter profit rose 19% from the same period last year, to $2.7 million, or 46 cents a share. Sales for the quarter were $39.9 million, up 15%.

The Van Nuys-based maker of auto wheels said its net income was up nearly 22% for the first six months of the fiscal year, to $5 million, or 84 cents a share. Sales for the period were up 14%, to $77.2 million.

Craig Long, a spokesman for Superior, said the company’s performance would have been better if the company hadn’t had equipment troubles at its plant in Newmarket, Ontario. But the company said its performance was strengthened by efficiency improvements and increased demand from U.S. auto makers for its wheels.