Huttig Building Products, Inc., distributor of millwork, building materials and wood products, reported a net loss of $9.8 million for the first quarter 2008, compared with a net loss of $3.4 million in the year-ago period.
 
Sales fell 25% to $166.8 million.

While seasonally one of our slowest quarters, the 2008 first quarter was also significantly impacted by the 29% year-over-year decline in annualized housing starts,” said Jon Vrabely, president and CEO.

“Given this challenge, we continue to pursue all avenues aimed at controlling expenses, improving operating efficiencies, reducing inventories and generating cash. Although we incurred an operating loss in the quarter, our year-over-year sales decreased less than the overall decline in housing starts, …