1st-Quarter Profit Up 28%, Superior Industries Says

Superior Industries International said its first-quarter profit jumped 28% from a year earlier on a 37% increase in sales.

The Van Nuys company, which makes aluminum and steel wheels for the Big Three U.S. automakers, said net income in the quarter ended March 31 rose to $3.93 million from $3.07 million. Sales climbed to $62.9 million from $46 million.

Superior said the gains reflected continued strong demand for its aluminum wheels from General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. Superior Chairman Louis L. Borick also said the company’s order rate “shows no signs of weakness, with new orders continuing to surpass previous levels.”