May 14, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Cascades Inc. said increased selling prices for its fibre-based products helped boost revenues during the 1Q and contributed to a return to profitability during the three-month period, as The Canadian Press informed Lesprom Network. Cascades Inc. reported a profit of $37 million or 38 cents per share for the quarter ended March 31. The results reversed a year-earlier loss of $4 million or 4 cents per share. Quarterly sales edged up 1% to $970 million from $959 million booked during the corresponding quarter of 2008. The company said the increase in sales prices and the lower value of the Canadian dollar offset a 12% drop in shipments. "During the quarter, we benefited from restructuring initiatives implemented in the past 12 months, from the depreciation of the Canadian dollar and a more favourable variable cost environment," Cascades CEO Alain Lemaire said in a statement. Restructuring efforts are likely to continue throughout 2009. Last month the company said it was shutting down its Norampac cardboard products plant in Quebec City by the end of the year, leaving 145 employees out of work. Cascades produces, converts and sells packaging and tissue mainly from recycled fibres.