Steel Processing’s net sales of USD 408.2 million were up 15%, or USD 53.3 million, over the prior year quarter. Higher average selling prices increased net sales by USD 45.9 million and a 14% increase in volumes favorably impacted sales by USD 7.4 million. The mix of direct versus toll tons processed was 51% to 49% this quarter, compared with 58% to 42% in the comparable quarter in the prior year. Operating income declined USD 0.3 million as the inventory losses in the current quarter were offset by a favorable change in the customer and product mix.

Pressure Cylinders' net sales of USD 168.8 million were up 24% from the comparable prior year quarter. Net sales in the North American operations increased 19% over prior year, aided by the Bernz acquisition. Overall volumes for the European operations were down from the prior year quarter, but net sales were higher primarily due to a more favorable product mix and foreign exchange rate. Worthington Nitin Cylinders, the company's Indian consolidated joint venture, contributed USD 2.9 million to net sales. Operating income increased USD 2.4 million, or 25%, from the prior year quarter to USD 11.9 million. However, operating income in the current quarter included the USD 4.4 million reduction in SG&A expense related to the settlement of the dispute with Bernz as well as the operating income for the Bernz operations. Excluding these items, operating profit was down as increases in steel, aluminum, gas and other costs outpaced selling prices.

Metal Framing’s net sales were USD 3.1 million during the quarter. The sales relate to the vinyl operation and metal framing facilities that were not contributed to the new ClarkDietrich JV on March 1st 2011, but continued to produce product to assist the joint venture during the transition period. As of the end of the quarter, all of the retained facilities had been closed, except for the vinyl operation. All of the retained facilities are expected to be sold within the next 12 months.