Nov 02, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Glatfelter reported 3Q consolidated net sales of $379.1 million, a 21.4% increase compared with $312.4 million for the 3Q 2009, reflecting the top-line contributions of the new Advanced Airlaid Materials business unit and stronger market conditions for the Company’s Composite Fibers and Specialty Papers products. Net sales grew 6% excluding the impact of acquisitions and foreign currency changes, company said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. “We are pleased to report another quarter of strong bottom-line growth with a 24% increase in adjusted earnings per share and generation of $33 million of free cash flow,” said George H. Glatfelter II, Chairman and CEO. “Driving our performance in the 3Q was the record $9.7 million earned by our Composite Fibers business, which is a reflection of improved market conditions, the quality of this unit’s products, and the effectiveness of the continued operating improvements we have employed in this business. In addition, our Specialty Papers business delivered improved year-over-year results in the 3Q 2010 despite an unplanned production interruption and higher pulp prices.” For the first nine months of 2010, the company reported net income of $39.2 million, compared with net income of $77.4 million in the same period of 2009. The results of operations for both periods include the impact of significant unusual and non-recurring items. Consolidated net sales for the first nine months of 2010 were $1,079.2 million, a 22.2% increase compared with $882.9 million for the same period of 2009, reflecting the addition of Advanced Airlaid Materials to the Company together with much stronger business activity in the Company’s Specialty Papers and Composite Fibers business units. Glatfelter is a global manufacturer of specialty papers and fiber-based engineered products. U.S. operations include facilities in Spring Grove, PA and Chillicothe and Fremont, OH. International operations include facilities in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Philippines, a representative office in China and a sales and distribution office in Russia.