Actuant Corp., Milwaukee, WI, reported sales for the third quarter ended May 31, 2009, were $290 million, down 35% from the prior year. Core sales declined 33%. The diversified industrial company recorded a loss of $17.6 million for the term, compared to profit of $38.6 million for third quarter 2008.

Year to date, sales declined 23% to $970 million. The net loss for the nine months ended May 31, 2009 was $2.8 million. Profit for third quarter of fiscal 2008 was $88.3 million.

Cost-cutting measures have been implemented throughout the fiscal year, with staff reductions of 7% in the third quarter for a total of 21% reduction year-to-date. Further reductions are expected as restructuring continues, CEO Robert C. Arzbaecher says.

Industrial segment sales in the third quarter …