Losses Grow at Unit Instruments

Unit Instruments Inc., a manufacturer of mass flow controllers and gas delivery systems for the semiconductor and industrial markets, said it lost $5.1 million, or $1.21 a share, for the third fiscal quarter, which included a pretax restructuring charge of $4.9 million and $1.5 million for other expenses. That compares with a net loss of $900,000, or 21 cents a share, for the corresponding period in 1997. Sales for the quarter ended Feb. 28 increased 39% to $13.3 million from $9.6 million.

For the first nine months, the company lost $4.2 million, or 95 cents a share, compared with a net loss of $3.5 million, or 79 cents a share, for the comparable three quarters of the prior fiscal year. Sales advanced 39% to $42.8 million from $30.9 million.