May 04, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. Xerium Technologies, Inc. reported results for its 1Q ended March 31, 2011. Net sales for the 1Q 2011 were $143.2 million, a 6.1% increase from net sales for the 1Q 2010 of $135.0 million. Excluding currency effects shown in the table below, 1Q 2011 net sales increased 5.1% from the 1Q 2010, with increases of 4.7% and 5.8% in the clothing and roll covers segments, respectively, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Gross margin improved 4.3% to $53.9 million for the 1Q 2011 from $51.7 million for the 1Q 2010, primarily as a result of increased sales volume. As a percentage of net sales, gross margins declined to 37.7% of revenues for the 1Q 2011 from 38.3% of revenues for the 1Q 2010, principally due to the mix of lower margin clothing and roll products and services as well as increased material and freight costs related to higher cost petroleum based materials. The Company’s operating expenses (selling, general and administrative, restructuring and impairments and research and development expenses) of $40.2 million for the 1Q 2011 declined by $9.1 million, or 18.5%, from operating expenses of $49.3 million in the 1Q 2010. Net income for the 1Q 2011 was $0.6 million, compared to a net loss of $30.2 million for the 1Q 2010. “Both segments of our business exceeded our expectations for increased demand in our global markets,” said Stephen R. Light, President, CEO and Chairman. “I believe we are growing stronger in the marketplace, as net sales from new product introductions keep growing and now account for more than 40% of total net sales. That is up from less than 20% in 2008 and more than two thirds of the way towards our 2012 target of 60%. We continue to invest in research and development as the lifeblood of our Company, as we introduce patented products that boost customer productivity and return on investment, while further advancing our position as a leader in technology innovation and application in both clothing and rolls.” Xerium Technologies, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of two types of consumable products used primarily in the production of paper-clothing and roll covers.