Lancaster Colony posts record first-quarter sales

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Nov. 1)—Lancaster Colony Corp. reported record net sales of $276 million for its fiscal first quarter ended Sept. 30, up 4 percent from the same period last year. Net income also was up at $20.6 million from $20.3 million last year. Lancaster's automotive segment posted a 19-percent sales increase on stronger demand for its aluminum truck accessories and more efficient floor mat manufacturing operations. Specialty Food sales increased 9 percent. The two sectors' performance offset glassware and candles sales declines of 13 percent and operating income declines of 24 percent for the quarter. Lancaster said it will consolidate its Dunkirk, Ind., glassware plant into its Sapulpa, Okla., site to improve margins in that segment.