Oct 27, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Bowater Incorporated reported on October 26 a net loss of $16.1 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, on sales of $875.9 million for the third quarter of 2006. These results compare with a net loss of $16.0 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, on sales of $872.9 million in the third quarter of 2005. "Our third quarter operations were significantly better than the second quarter, primarily driven by improved manufacturing performance," said David J. Paterson, president and chief executive officer. "In addition to our continued progress on debt reduction, I am encouraged that recent initiatives, including our management realignment, have already identified further tangible opportunities to reduce costs across our manufacturing platform in the coming quarters." Bowater Incorporated, headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, is a leading producer of coated and specialty papers and newsprint. In addition, the company sells bleached market pulp and lumber products. Bowater employs approximately 7 600 people and has 12 pulp and paper mills in the United States, Canada and South Korea.