July 26, 2007

Saint-Gobain overall sales were up 6% in the first half of 2007 to US$29.8 billion (21.7 billion euros).
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All the group’s sectors saw a rise in sales, with organic growth overall at 6.9%.
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Construction markets in Europe, bolstered by the impact of regulations promoting energy efficiency, offset the downturn in the U.S. housing market. Sales were strong in Asia and emerging countries (organic growth of 19%).
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Construction Products posted a 4.1% organic growth rate. About three-fourths of sales in this sector come from Europe and emerging countries. Only a quarter is in the U.S.
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The Building Distribution sector posted a 13.3% rise in sales, buoyed by acquisitions, and organic growth of 8.7%. Strong sales were seen in France, …

Huttig Building Products, Inc., distributor of millwork, building materials and wood products, reported sales in the second quarter were $239.6 million, down 19% from the prior-year period.
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Sales to national accounts, or 35% of sales in the second quarter, declined by only 17%.
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Jon P. Vrabely, president and CEO, said: This quarter represents the first profitable quarter for Huttig since a year ago, just before the significant downturn in the housing market.”

Sales for the first six months of 2007 were $461.9 million, a 20% decrease over the prior-year period. This decrease is primarily attributable to the 27% drop in housing …