Avery Dennison Corp. said its efforts to...

Avery Dennison Corp. said its efforts to reduce inventories, control costs and speed up customer service improved profitability and helped to increase its third-quarter earnings 48%.

Earnings for the three months ended Sept. 30 totaled $18.6 million, or 31 cents a share, up from $12.6 million, or 20 cents a share, in the same quarter of 1991. Revenue increased 7.7% to $655.9 million from $609.2 million.

The Pasadena-based firm is a leader in pressure-sensitive adhesives and materials, office products, labels, tags, retail systems and specialty chemicals.