May 01, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. Glatfelter reported 1Q 2012 net income of $18.9 million, compared with adjusted earnings of $16 million in the 1Q 2011. Consolidated net sales for the 1Q 2012 were $397.4 million compared with $396.8 million for the 1Q 2011, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. “We are off to a strong start in 2012 with solid performance from all three of our businesses,” said Dante C. Parrini, Chairman and CEO. “Specialty Papers delivered a 7% increase in operating income led by improved operating performance, new business development, and continuous improvement initiatives. Our Advanced Airlaid Materials business continues to demonstrate progress with operating income more than doubling on a year-over-year basis and Composite Fibers also made good progress despite decreased production rates this quarter from two machine upgrades. As expected, both of these businesses experienced softer conditions in certain consumer-driven European market segments. Furthermore, our 2011 share repurchase program and the debt refinancing activities undertaken late last year are contributing to year-over-year earnings-per-share growth.” On a year-over-year basis, Specialty Papers unit net sales increased $3.3 million due to a $3.7 million benefit from higher selling prices and an improved mix of products sold, partially offset by a 1.5% decline in shipping volumes. Specialty Papers’ 1Q 2012 operating income was $1.5 million higher than the same period of 2011 reflecting the benefit from higher selling prices and $1.8 million from continuous improvement initiatives, production efficiencies, and the timing of maintenance. These factors offset a $1.5 million adverse impact of higher input costs and $1.1 million of lower energy and related sales. Composite Fibers unit net sales decreased $3.3 million, or 2.9%, primarily due to the translation of foreign currencies which unfavorably impacted the comparison by $3.4 million partially offset by a $1.1 million benefit from higher selling prices. Composite Fibers’ 1Q 2012 operating income decreased by $1.5 million as the benefit from higher selling prices was more than offset by unfavorable operating costs including higher energy costs, general inflation, and a $0.7 million impact from the completion of machine upgrades at two facilities. In addition, the translation of foreign currencies was $0.5 million unfavorable. Glatfelter is a global manufacturer of specialty papers and fiber-based engineered materials, offering over a century of experience, technical expertise and world-class service.