Hexcel Corp. (NYSE: HXL), Stamford, CT, reported sales for the first quarter of $497.7 million, an increase of 5.5 percent compared to the same period a year ago, driven by an 8.5 percent increase in commercial aerospace. Profit decreased 17.8 percent to $56 million.

Industrial sales were $68.1 million for the first quarter, up 8.8 percent compared to the first quarter of 2015.

Commercial aerospace sales for the quarter were $350.3 million, an increase of 9.4 percent compared to the same period the prior year.

Space and defense sales decreased 10.8 percent year-over-year to $79.3 million in the first quarter.